Retiree's one-man fight after power pole put in the middle of street

A determined retiree, armed with a walking frame, has staged a one-man protest after a government railway works project erected a power pole in his street.

Philip Thompson is a former engineer and couldn't believe that the pole was going to be put in the roadway near Mont Albert station in Melbourne's east.

"I'm an electrical engineer with 30 years' experience. I've got a Masters in engineering, with honours, and the number one rule in electrical engineering, is don't put poles in the roadway," Thompson told A Current Affair.

READ MORE: New hope for loyal Apple iPod users facing production end

Thompson says his main concern is that the pole will potentially pose a threat to other road users.

"Bicycles are going to hit them, cars are going hit them, it cuts down on parking, it's mainly a safety hazard," Thompson said.

Last week Thompson pushed his walking frame to the spot where the power-pole had been marked to go, and refused to budge.

The retiree claims that his calls and emails have not been adequately dealt with by those responsible for the works.

"They don't listen to me, and they don't listen to anyone." he said.

Thompson sat on his walker in the street for more than five hours in order to make his point.

READ MORE: Centenarian proves he's not too old to work

Thompson's street runs by a railway, which is undergoing changes.

The works will move existing power lines away from the tracks to the opposite side of the road, where his house is.

The new power pole has been erected by Victoria's Level Crossing Removal Project (LCRP).

The LCRP is a State Government initiative to remove 85 level crossings around the state.

"This project is about safety and congestion, more reliable travel times and better community facilities" said Matthew Gault, Chief Operating Office at LCRP.

"As part of these major engineering projects, we need to relocate utilities. We needed to move a pole in the direct proximity of Philip's property. We need to make space. The railway, which is currently at road level, is being lowered seven to eight metres," Gault said.

The plan will allow a major road nearby to run above the railway tracks, meaning motorists will no longer have to stop at boom-gates.

Gault says that measures will be taken to make sure the pole is not a threat to drivers.

"The pole relocated in front of Phil's house, once the works are finished, will have curbs around it and won't present any traffic or safety hazards in the final design" Gault said.

READ MORE: Couple slugged with $15,000 Qantas bill after booking mistake

"We'll have curbing and extend the footpath and nature-strip out and around the pole".

Thompson eventually moved on from his protest, after the LCRP agreed to private talks with him this week.

The pole is currently in the roadway.

The additional changes around the pole are yet to be made.