The editor,

We don's want the train yards either

I write in response to Kathy Andrews' letter May 14, 2008 (page six) in relation to the above.

I believe Ms Andrews is writing to your publication in response to a recent article concerning trains passing through the City of Port Augusta itself.

Permit me to give a few facts of life concerning what was written.

I would ask Ms Andrews to consider a few points concerning the railways and indeed myself as the author of this letter.

I have never worked in the railways.

Basically I loathe them, but, there is a time and place for everything and the railways and the personnel who operate them do a marvellous job in transhipping goods and people from one point to another and in some cases, back again.

I have resided in Port Augusta for over 15 years and my residence is on the busiest arterial highway in the city, Tassie Street.

I reside, about 37 metres east of the Tassie Street level crossing.

I refute the statement " If you do not like the noise that the yards make, my suggestion to you is your move".

I live within breathing distance of Spencer Junction.

On a hot windy day I cop all of the dust and rubbish from the railway yards in either my house or my yards.

I am a former city councillor (2000 - 2002) and I campaigned hard and bitterly to have the level crossing on Tassie Street made into a crossing where neither motorists nor pedestrians could transgress one the lights/bells and what was hoped ... boom gates were installed.

No such luck ... yet!

Do I want Spencer Junction where it is? No!

Then, you refer to hoon drivers and the like.

I'll issue, through this publication, Ms Andrews, an invitation to visit my home on any night of the week, especially pension nights and watch, view, listen to and put up with the hoon drivers I put up with constantly!

I will say this, Stirling North is a site quieter than Port Augusta has ever been and will ever be.

I ask you this.

Would you be prepared to relocate to Tassie Street or any other street in Port Augusta to get away from the rail yards, the hoon drivers and all those take in and live a life of relative seclusion?

Rob Williams

Port Augusta