Sir – As a Waterways resident since 2003, I admit to being a little surprised when I read Reg Little’s article (Report, February 12).

I live as close as anyone to the railway line, indeed the line is about 50 metres from my back garden.

Although I’m occasionally aware of the sound of the trains, I don’t find the sound disturbing and feel that there is a clique of Waterways residents who have rather exaggerated the situation. There has been no detriment to the trees that surround my property either.

Lyn Ribbings certainly does not represent the majority of Waterways residents and I find it amazing that Mr Sithole from Oxford City Council has been dragged into this saga, as I’m sure he definitely does have more important things to do.

The endless meetings and consultations will make no difference to what Network Rail have already planned and continue to plan.

May I suggest that The Waterways Residents Committee turn their attentions to a much more pressing matter that has escalated since I moved into this bijou development?

I’m referring of course to the amount of non-resident parking on Stone Meadow and Elizabeth Jennings Way, as well as the bridge and certain side roads.

Every day I have to negotiate ‘parked’ cars all the way from Stone Meadow to the Woodstock Road.

There are a group of cars who park regularly opposite the nursery near Clearwater Place. These cars effectively block the road, coupled with the fact that evidence suggests that the owners do not live there.

My challenge to the residents’ committee is this – let’s try and sort out a problem that affects us all instead of a few.

Paul Lumley, Oxford