MARTIN SALTER MP
READING WEST
Contact: 0118 954 6782 Mobile: 07976 946033
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: <12 June 2008>
THAMES LOCK-KEEPERS CAMPAIGN ESCALATES
Minister called in by MPs – Lock-keepers wives to petition in Henley
Plans by the Environment Agency to dispose of 22 of its 57 lock-keepers’ houses along the Thames have run into further opposition following a cross-party meeting with Thames Valley MPs in the House of Commons last week.
The MPs were unconvinced of the EA’s case and have agreed to ask Waterways Minister Phil Woolas to intervene personally in the dispute.
Reading West MP Martin Salter has written to Mr Woolas on behalf of the 10 strong group of MPs requesting an urgent meeting and pointing out that Early Day Motion 1587 Lock Keepers Residences has now been signed by 67 MPs.
In his letter Mr Salter said:
"It was clear from the meeting the MPs had with Peter Quarmby and Eileen McKeever – Thames Waterways manager, that these proposals have not been properly thought through and that the financial saving was only in the order of £200,000. Indeed there was a feeling that the loss of goodwill engendered by the sell-off would trigger more reliance on EA operations staff which could actually cost more in the longer term.
You will also be aware of the very serious health and safety concerns expressed by river users should the lock and weir keeper service be allowed to diminish. These relate not just to the supervision at locks and weirs to prevent vandalism and anti-social behaviour but also to dealing with accidents and emergencies, particularly at times of flooding or strong flows.
It is important that Ministers intervene as soon as possible in this issue and I must ask you to draw these concerns to the new Chairman of the Environment Agency – Chris Smith, and to agree to meet with the Thames Valley MPs in the very near future."
Also present at the meeting was Susan Drewett from Sunbury lock representing lock keepers wives.
Mrs Drewett said:
"We were heartened by the MP’s support and understanding of the situation the 22 lock-keepers and their families find themselves in. We consider this to be an asset stripping exercise by the EA with no consideration of the impact it will have on the millions of river users, the unique river heritage and riverside Communities."
The issue will now be highlighted in the Henley by-election as GMB members and lock-keepers wives join forces with Martin Salter and Labour candidate Richard McKenzie at a street stall in Henley’s Market Place on Saturday 14th June.
The campaigners will be handing out leaflets to the public urging them to protest to the Environment Agency Chairman Chris Smith and to sign a petition.
Martin Salter added:
"I made it clear last week to the EA that unless they dropped their hare-brained plans to dispose of lock-keepers’ residences the campaign would escalate."
Henley Labour Candidate Richard McKenzie said:
"By taking to the streets in Henley we hope to demonstrate the strength of public support for the lock-keepers. These are the people whose hard work and expertise helps keep the Thames safe for hundreds of thousands of people to enjoy every year."
Ted Purcell (senior organiser for the GMB union) added:
"The GMB is supporting our members and our Unison colleagues throughout this campaign."
/ENDS
More information:
Martin Salter MPSusan Drewett: 01932 772229
07751133034
Richard McKenzie: 07739801929
Photocall: 1pm Saturday 14th June outside Henley Town Hall, Market Square, Henley, with Martin Salter MP, Richard McKenzie and the lock-keepers wives and supporters from Sunbury, Cookham, Marlow and Henley.