By Sharon Webb

IN EARLY August, two empty rat poison packets were placed precisely side-by-side on a mat near the verandah of the Wileman’s Westbury home, labelled sides up, undamaged.

If someone had thrown them over the 150cm fence, chances are they would not have fallen so neatly so Peter Wileman took it as a threat, that someone had trespassed on his property to leave a pointed message.

Peter has been outspoken in his objection to the proposed site for the State Government’s new prison, continually writing letters to Tasmania’s newspapers.

‘We’ve told the police about the rat poison boxes, and the phone calls we get, some days up to five times a day,’ he said.

‘Whoever it is doesn’t speak, just holds the phone for 20 seconds, then puts it down. It’s not happening just to us, other anti-prison campaigners have had this treatment too.

‘One night on the highway a landcruiser ute with a ‘Just build it’ pro-prison sticker overtook a car with an anti-prison sticker on it, the occupants yelling abuse. They pulled in front of the car and slowed right down to make their point.’

These actions indicate the depth of the rift in Westbury between people for and against the prison.

At least one pro-prison campaigner has complained on Facebook about being targeted but has not spoken directly to the Gazette.

Mr Wileman, who has lived in Westbury for 16 years and formerly ran Hobnob’s Café believes the rat poison packets may be a threat to his two energetic Australian Terriers.

‘It’s OK to make me the target if that’s the way they want to play it but my wife Doreen is nervous and I’m nervous about the dogs,’ he said.

‘I was initially upset and angry but I realised that if you’re arguing with these people you have to expect some retaliation, but not a cowardly threat to a pair of innocent young dogs.’