That was about six years ago. The dispute was resolved several years ago with the RMS accepting responsibility for the maintenance of the bridge.

I believe your newspaper published an article in the first half of 2015 where it was stated that the NSW RMS would be commencing maintenance work on the bridge in August of 2015.

What happened? Well, it appears nothing has been done.

There is an obvious need for a new road surface, painting of railings and improved surface, and improved lighting for pedestrians.

The Long Bridge is one of the main entrances to our city centre. Its present condition is a poor reflection of Maitland and gives a very poor first-up impression for visitors to our city.

Maitland Council surely would be interested in improving the appearance of their city, at the same time making sure that proper maintenance is carried out on all bridges in their local government area.

I live in Baileys Lane, Abermain. Remember Baileys Lane?  Cut off from civilization due to no bridge access. Baileys Lane! Pot holed filled dust bowl. Baileys Lane, where you need a cut lunch and a two-day trek to get to town.

I'd like to invite the Council person or persons responsible for bridge and road fixing to go on an excursion to Torryburn.

Torryburn have been without a bridge for as along as Frame Drive bridge but now have a beautiful new bridge. Maybe you could get some ideas on how to fix bridges.

Also, on the way home, we could visit HEZ and get some ideas on how to build roads. HEZ has great roads. Maybe HEZ might let us have some of their road since it's not being used? 

As the long, hot summer continues, PETA continues to receive reports of dogs dying or suffering from heat exhaustion after being left inside hot cars, even when the windows were slightly lowered.

During warm weather, even dogs who are left in the shade can quickly succumb to heatstroke and sustain brain damage.

On a 30-degree day, the temperature inside a car parked in the sun can reach 54 degrees in just minutes.

If you see a dog showing any symptoms of heatstroke – including restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy and lack of coordination – get the animal into the shade immediately.

PETA makes the following suggestions for safeguarding dogs during the summer:

- Avoid parked cars: Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods with the windows slightly open.

- Keep dogs indoors: Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through their footpads and cool themselves by panting. Soaring temperatures can cause heat stress and be physically damaging or fatal.

- Walk, don't run: In very hot, humid weather, never exercise dogs by cycling while they try to keep up or by running them while you jog. Dogs will collapse before giving up, at which point it may be too late to save them.

- Provide water and shade: If animals must be left outside, they should be supplied with ample water and shade, and the shifting sun needs to be taken into account. Even brief periods of direct sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences.

If you see animals in distress, give them immediate relief by providing water – and contact humane authorities right away.