News re TUGn and Lord Smith

[boatone]

The ATYC website now carries two documents relating to the ongoing discussions between TUGn and the EA regarding the leasing of lock houses.

Letter to Lord Chris Smith

TUGn Press Statement

 

[Brayman]

You've got the links the wrong way round. Is it just me or does the press release not accurately reflect the letter?

 

[boatone]

You've got the links the wrong way round. Is it just me or does the press release not accurately reflect the letter?

Links correct now.

I agree, there seem to be subtle differences between the documents.

In particular, I find the line in the Press Statement that says "As more houses become vacant a resident will be appointed to manage the lock and live in the house." quite surprising, although this would be a very welcome reversal of the EA's previously declared intentions

As far as I am aware, there has been no official statement from the EA about these discussions or decisions and I would certainly expect that such key information be formally promulgated.

 

[CJL]

Sorry am I missing something?

Why can't the EA lease the rather swanky lock keepers houses out? They are not connected to the running of the lock at all. The EA is becoming strapped for cash and renting them out is a pretty good idea, after all look at BW's property portfolio! Mega bucks must come in from it!

I agree they might offer people more re-assurance that the lock keeper is nearby in case of an incident but they do go shopping, go to the pub etc etc, just like normal people do so the chance of you catching the lock keeper during an incident isn't that great.

Plus I wouldn't dream of knocking on a lock keepers door after hours - they are entitled to not be disturbed during their time off.

I just get the feeling that this is more a case of we don't like change from some areas.

One thing I do feel strongly about is that staff that don't have a cottage as part of their job should be compensated appropriately compared to ones that do.

CJL

 

[boatone]

Sorry am I missing something?

Why can't the EA lease the rather swanky lock keepers houses out? They are not connected to the running of the lock at all. The EA is becoming strapped for cash and renting them out is a pretty good idea, after all look at BW's property portfolio! Mega bucks must come in from it!

Agreed and the TMBA approach has been to argue that an agreed level of service should be provided at locks, which need not necessarily require a keeper to be actually resident.

I just get the feeling that this is more a case of we don't like change from some areas.

Others are arguing that the existence of a resident lock keeper at every lock is essential.

One thing I do feel strongly about is that staff that don't have a cottage as part of their job should be compensated appropriately compared to ones that do.

Nice sentiment but not for us to decide how the EA manages its business - our interest is in the level of service we receive in return for our licence fees.

 

[boatone]

I agree, there seem to be subtle differences between the documents.

In particular, I find the line in the Press Statement that says "As more houses become vacant a resident will be appointed to manage the lock and live in the house." quite surprising, although this would be a very welcome reversal of the EA's previously declared intentions

As far as I am aware, there has been no official statement from the EA about these discussions or decisions and I would certainly expect that such key information be formally promulgated.

My efforts to get to the bottom of this today have proved quite frustrating. However, it would appear that my scepticism is not without foundation.

 

[boatone]

My efforts to get to the bottom of this today have proved quite frustrating. However, it would appear that my scepticism is not without foundation.

Information received contained in an update to the WWG yesterday:

2. Vacant and rented lock houses update

As you know, a number of our river-side lock houses have become vacant through retirements or staff leaving us for other reasons. As a short-term measure, to help minimise the impact of reducing budgets, a number of these have subsequently been rented, including Sunbury, Grafton and most recently Chertsey. Blakes is also soon to be let in the coming weeks.

Following meetings between TUG,our regional director Howard Davidson and chairman, Lord Chris Smith, we have agreed to cap the number we will rent to five for a twelve month period, and to monitor/review the initiative with TUG representatives. We have yet to confirm which will be the fifth property advertised for rent .

We are keen that our other vacant properties are occupied as quickly as possible with staff, and will be deciding how to manage this in the next 2-3 weeks.

Note that the final paragraph refers to occupation of vacant properties "with staff" and not specifically "resident lock keepers".

 

[Brayman]

Who is TUGn and what has it got to do with them what the EA do with their property?

This is getting all very confusing!

 

[boatone]

Who is TUGn and what has it got to do with them what the EA do with their property?

This is getting all very confusing!

Earlier this year I asked for information regarding the constitution of TUGn and its membership criteria and received the following:

THAMES USERS GROUP (Navigation)

TERMS OF REFERENCE
OBJECTIVES
To provide a forum for those using the Thames Navigation for business and recreation when considering matters of importance that affects all users.

AUTHORITY
The “Group” is unlikely to communicate directly under the above title but if 80% of the membership so decide will feel free to produce data and publicity. In such case only those who specifically agree with the action will be signatories.

COMPOSITION
Membership will be open as a right to all those users who attend either RFERAC or Thames WWG.
Other organisations can request to attend or be invited. If 50% of the existing members agree, those organisations will be accepted into membership.

GOVERNANCE
A co-ordinator will be from time to time appointed and will arrange working papers and manage the meetings

COSTS
In the short term to be covered by the individual membership.

8 DECEMBER 2005

From the recent meetings with Lord Smith and Howard Davidson, the EA SE Regional Director, it would appear that TUGn is recognised, or at least being treated, by the Agency as the primary user representatives for consultation between river users and the EA. It appears to have extended its remit well beyond the paragraph above relating to "Authority".
A further request for a list of members resulted in me receiving a list of email addresses of the user group representatives who currently comprise the members of the WWG.
I can find no other information relating to TUGn other than a few papers published on the ATYC website.