Sir
The Environment Agency claims that the money gained from
the sale of the surplus (allegedly) lock houses will be used for
environmental projects that will improve facilities for river users.
Rubbish.
The EA cannot categorically state that all the money
raised will be used for the Thames. Realistically, a large percentage will
disappear into DEFRA funds to make up the shortfalls caused by their poor
financial management
Once the houses have gone, so will the lock keepers with
experience and understanding of the river Thames disappear. The riverside
residents will be left at the mercy of inadequately trained gate openers who
will never be on site when needed in an emergency.
We are VERY concerned that disposal of Bell Weir and
Penton Hook ( right next to the lock but not lock side) and Chertsey will
leave a very vulnerable section of the river totally unprotected, well over
12 miles of waterway
Our residents association is joining the fight. We all
suffered in 2003 from the mismanagement of the Jubilee River. This
wonderful plan is the latest example of mismanagement in our opinion.
Yours faithfully
David and Naomi Bradbury
Staines