Dear Sir
>
> We refer to the shock announcement by the Environment Agency of the
> sale and rental of the River Thames lock houses and are completely
> horrified by this latest news.
>
> We live by the river and use the river and have done for the past 40
> years. We rely on the lockkeepers for their expertise in running and
> managing not only the locks but the weirs and many other aspects of the river too.
> When we go through the locks we rely on them to get the boats through safely
> and sometimes that is not an easy task when river users do not have to have
> any expertise or experience.
>
> In times of flooding we rely on the lockkeepers to manage the river
> and the weirs in order minimise the risk of flooding.
>
> Staff in the EA offices no longer have the particular local knowledge
> nor the experience of the workings of the river. When we were flooded
> in the devastating floods of 2003 the staff in the EA's offices did not even
> know where Ham Island was. What hope is there for us in the future if we
> lose the experience of the lockkeepers because they can no longer live in the
> lock houses and certainly cannot hope to find affordable housing in
> this area with the salaries that they earn?
>
> By taking this action the EA are putting the lives of river users and
> riverside residents at risk. It is essential that wherever possible
> lockkeepers are on site at all times in order to be able to deal with
> emergencies. We have heard recently of two lives that have been lost
> due in part as a result of the devastating floods of 2003. How many
> more lives must be lost before someone sits up and takes notice and says this
> action is ludicrous and it must be stopped?
>
> We fear for the lockkeepers and their families too. What strain must
> this be putting on them? How long will it be before their lives are
> sorted out and they and their children can start living again?
>
> If you feel strongly about this issue please follow it up by
> contacting your MP.
>
> Other people to contact are:
>
> The Secretary of State for Environment Food & Rural Affairs - The Rt
> Hon
>
> Hilary Benn MP - hilary.benn@defra.gsi.gov.uk
>
> Chief Executive of the Environment Agency - Baroness Barbara Young -
> barbara.young@environment-agency.gov.uk
>
> Chairman of the Environment Agency - Sir John Harman -
> john.harman@environment-agency.gov.uk
>
> Please also write to your local paper.
>
> Please let your neighbours, friends and any other interested parties
> know what is happening on our river.
>
> With many thanks.
 

Yours faithfully
>
> Gillie Bolton (Mrs)