FALSE BAY
FCJ Excellence Awards: Winner Best Front Pages; Runnerup Best Newspaper TUESDAY 30 January 2018 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za
@ThePeoplesPost
People’s Post
Windblown sand piles up against a retaining wall and then cascades over onto the railway tracks. PHOTO: DAVID ERICKSON
SIMON’S TOWN
Heaps on historical line NICOLE MCCAIN @nickymccain
S
uspended rail services in Simon’s Town have locals worried about the longterm impact on their area. The railway line has been closed since the end of last year due to sand drifting across the track, and the closure is affecting residents, businesses, navy personnel and tourists, locals claim. Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott says the sand on the tracks in the section of railway line Fish Hoek-Sunny Cove-GlencairnSimon’s Town “has been a long-standing issue similar to Baden Powell Drive being covered with sand during windy periods”.
“Due to its proximity to the sea, this stretch of railway line is no stranger to the impact of spring/high tide and the buffeting of coastal winds. Periodic remedial work as a result of weather conditions (sand and/or seawater ingress) is invariably subject to environmental compliance.” Up to 500 commuters rely on the peak hour service between the two stations, says Scott. Simon’s Town Civic Association spokesperson, Merle Evertse, says the closure is affecting local businesses and residents. “I had always hoped for one or two premier class carriages that would be more upmarket for people who wanted a safe way to travel from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town, as this is a huge tourist attraction in Cape
Town,” she says. “I think if the above were in place, more people would use the train. With our roads being overloaded with cars, this could alleviate a lot of problems for the roads planning department as well.” In addition, concerns have been raised that the lack of use of the station building may leave it in disrepair. Simon’s Town Historical Society vicechairperson, David Erickson, says: “There are valid concerns about not just the integrity of the station buildings, but the general infrastructure at Simon’s Town Railway Station. Even well before the station was closed to trains due to the sand invasion, there were clear signs of neglect.” The railway has a strong historical link
for Simon’s Town, Erickson explains. “The construction of the railway extension from Kalk Bay to Simon’s Town took one year, despite the difficult terrain to be crossed. The first train to arrive at the new Simon’s Town Station was greeted on 1 December 1890 by the entire town.” “The Simon’s Town Historical Society supports any initiative that will conserve the station buildings, for the benefit of future generations. Some of the buildings are underused or even unused – perhaps these could be repurposed to establish an exhibition of the history of the Cape Town to Simon’s Town railway – an added attraction for tourists and schoolchildren. V Continued on page 2.
GREAT VENUE | GREAT MENU |GREAT VALUE
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE HAPPEN ON A BAYSIDE!
Seafood AT ITS BEST! www.fishhoekgalley.com “SING & SURF”
Wiener Schnitzel and Deep-fried Calamari Served with Rice, Fries & Sauce Tartar
“FILLET OF DEEP-FRIED HAKE IN BATTER” VALID UNTIL 26TH FEBRUARY 2018
Served with Rice or Fries & Tartar Sauce
On Fish Hoek Beach. Phone Priscilla or Nola on 021 782 3354 for details
“SEAFOOD TRIO”
ONLY
Grilled Fillet Of Hake, Deep-fried Calamari & Grilled Prawns Served with Rice, Fries and Salads
R99.50
R109.50
“CRUMBED FILLET OF CHICKEN BREAST AND DEEP-FRIED CALAMARI” ONLY
ONLY
R89.50
ONLY
VALID UNTIL 26TH FEBRUARY 2018
Served with Rice, Fries and Salads
R84.50
ERDINGER HEFEWEIßBIER DRAUGHT 300ml
500ml
R32.95 R44.95
PAULANER HEFEWEIßBIER & ERDINGER DUNKEL 500ml Bottle
R49.95
BOOK YOUR TABLE BY THE SEASIDE OR COME AND JOIN US FOR A CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE AT THE BISTRO - TEL: 021 782 3354
X1U9NB8D-QK300118