Lock houses

Redski

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Here you go chaps straight from the IWA

Dear Waterways Supporter,



Further to the recent announcement by the Environment Agency that it was intending to de-man selected Thames Lock houses and dispose of them by sale or let. The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has been carrying out some intensive parliamentary lobbying; together with writing to many Thames side MPs in whose constituencies the lock houses are situated. An Early Day Motion has now been tabled by Ian Taylor MP for Esher and Walton, concerning the proposed sell-off of Lock Houses on the Thames by the Environment Agency.



Early Day Motion 1587 states:



“That this House is concerned about the Environment Agency's proposal to dispose by sale or letting of 22 lock-keepers' homes along the Thames; recognises the importance of lock-keepers being resident in homes adjacent to locks to maintain safety on the river; fears for the welfare of the lock-keepers and their families; and calls on the Government to ask the Environment Agency to re-examine its decision so as to protect this unique part of the nation's river heritage and the tradition of lock-keepers living at the site of locks.”



IWA believes that this Early Day Motion is a reflection of the unprecedented concern and outrage of many people currently being expressed up and down the river.



Former Thames Navigation and Recreation Manager John Redmond, speaking in support of IWA’s campaign said:



“ I am saddened to think that Thames managers are unable to find other efficiency savings that would have less of a permanent impact on the wellbeing of the River Thames, its users and local residents. Having staff living on site and being generally available as the first port of call for weir work and emergencies has proven its worth time and again over the years.”



IWA asks that all waterway supporters join together in lobbying their MPs to support this EDM and to help save an essential safety service and a distinct and valuable part of the Thames waterside community.



You can see the details of the Early Day Motion and which MPs have signed at :

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=35864&SESSION=891





Even If you MP has signed it is still worth contacting them to let them know of your support for their actions.



Information on how to contact your local member of parliament can be obtained at

www.theyworkforyou.com/







For more information please contact Jo Gilbertson 01923 711 114 (IWA)
 
[ QUOTE ]
She said: "The lock-keeper makes sure everyone behaves as they should as they come out of the lock.

[/ QUOTE ] Really ??

The way some of them high tail it down your way must be a pain in the proverbial and I've never seen a lockie exercise any control in that regard /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
She said: "The lock-keeper makes sure everyone behaves as they should as they come out of the lock.

[/ QUOTE ] Really ??

The way some of them high tail it down your way must be a pain in the proverbial and I've never seen a lockie exercise any control in that regard /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm sure they did in days of yore, but since one of the lockies told a boater the error of his ways - and got a "Disciplinary" for his troubles, the whole lot are afraid to say anything, they are even afraid to "load the lock" - mix and match , rather than first come first served, or even ask a boat to move up when things are busy.

Time was when the lockie was the Master of the ship, and the boater a junior rate - you do as you are told.
 
I agree, it's nowhere near as authoritarian. John at Penton is indeed a bit reticent about having 'words' with folk who need it, Paul at Chertsey however will speak his mind when it's needed. He told a 30' rib who was seen doing 40mph at 11pm that he wasn't allowed through the lock and had to trailer the boat out!
 
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