Drawbridge mentality This phrase sums up the attitude of those people who migrate from towns or cities to more scenic residential areas, typically larger villages, and thereafter campaign to preserve the tranquil scenic aspects of that village or locality and oppose further inward migration by people or businesses and, possibly, any development or refurbishment sought by established firms, including agricultural or forestry businesses, already located there. The phrase is most likely to be heard in areas where a good network of transport links enables long distance commuting and thus the physical separation of home and workplace.
The term implies a certain selfishness and an inability to see that from the perspective of people with strong family or business bonds to the village, they and their family are perceived as intruders! A drawbridge was historically the hinged bridge found at a castle's gates providing a fast route across a defensive moat for those occupying the castle. Raising the drawbridge to a vertical position was therefore one means by which intruders could be denied easy access to a castle. Clearly one does not need to be a commuter to demonstrate the attitude summarised in the phrase "drawbridge mentality" and many workers migrate to rural or coastal areas in anticipation of many peaceful years in retirement, years when easy access to business premises may seem unimportant.
