Sir,
 

 

Plan to dispose of Lock-keepers' houses

In the last five years in which I have got to know the Environment Agency
(since the 2003 floods) it has been more than economical with the truth and
has avoided any thought of river management but has passed the consequent
question of flood risk avoidance over to the thousands that live in flood
plains across the country.

Locks and the adjacent areas are not "play" areas and to release these areas
to all and sundry will cause untold problems and risks of youngsters falling
into the lock.  The depth of locks makes rescue very difficult and the risk
of fatalities must be very high.

Risks apart, is the EA going to dispense with lock-keepers ?  If not, where
do you expect lock-keepers to find accommodation ?  And, who is going to pay
for that accommodation ?

These men and women must now be very worried and may well be looking for
alternative employment - better paid and with possibility of buying property
for the first time that they couldn't afford on a lock-keepers salary.
Either way it looks as if the EA has made yet another decision without
considering the possible and probable consequences.  TYPICAL !

I suggest that you or whoever is responsible for this daft decision rethinks
and confirms to your riverside staff that neither their jobs nor
accommodation are at risk.

Yours faithfully,.

Freddie Pilditch