My family and I have lived in Orange for over 50 years and have always loved the park and appreciated the high standard of care given to its many attractions.

The beautiful rose garden is one of the highlights and year after year it delights us with an array of colour and blooms planned with skill and artistry. It would be so sad to destroy such a lovely feature that gives so much pleasure to locals and visitors alike.

Many of my friends are unaware that our treasured rose garden is under threat so I will ask for this letter to bring the problem to their notice before it is too late.

The suggestion of planting a sensory garden in that area would not be ideal as vision-impaired and wheelchair-bound people would have to cope with steps in order to get close to the plants. It would be far better to use a flat area of the park for this desirable feature.

Is this a case of change for the sake of change, or is it a matter of cutting costs?

The skilful pruning, spraying and feeding that results each year in such a heart-warming display should not be cast lightly aside.

Pauline Arnold OAM,

Orange