PERHAPS Dr Martin Parsons (October 9) would also like to see wind turbine farms off our shores, as being unsightly and of no good purpose.However, there are two sides to every story.

PERHAPS Dr Martin Parsons (October 9) would also like to see wind turbine farms off our shores, as being unsightly and of no good purpose.

However, there are two sides to every story.

The off shore oil ships are not off Kessingland or Southwold, even if they can be seen from there.

Further they are not discernible (with the naked eye) transferring oil from one to another. Nor are they likely (because this is what they are trained to do) to suffer any spillage. They are no more apt to have spillage than the large sea going ships picking their way in and out of Lowestoft harbour every day, through the many sand bars just off shore.

The sailors on these ships have to eat and have other necessities which are purchased in Lowestoft and also where they spend their money on shore leave. This surely is helping all our stores in these troubled times.

Although the amount of money these sailors spend isn't any where close to the �65m Dr Parsons quotes that the tourist spend in the local economy. He also says one in eight jobs are provided for by tourists.

These ships/sailors are also helping out by buying supplies and other needs, not just spoiling the scenery.

I do agree with Dr Parsons that any oil spillage would be catastrophic to our shoreline but thank God these are very, very rare.

ROBERT E WILE

Wellington Esplanade

Lowestoft