Sir, I would like to support John Dalton’s comments about the withdrawal of resident lock-keepers and weir-keepers on the Thames (letter, May 9).

The Environment Agency (EA) is justifying its decision to dispose of lock-keepers’ houses by claiming these are not operationally necessary (report, May 6), although its report to the Government after last year’s floods praised the conduct of lock-keepers, who had responded quickly and professionally, often using lock sites as a safe haven.

To prevent flooding, weir gates often need to be operated at night by resident lock-keepers, who can respond quickly to maintain levels and assist boaters and others who get into difficulties.

Mobile teams are no real substitute as some locks cannot be reached from the shore at time of floods, whereas the keeper on the spot can help to deal with potentially dangerous situations.

Lock-keepers and their families are also part of local communities, with their well-tended houses and gardens an attraction to residents and visitors alike.

Removal of accommodation from a loyal, skilled and long-serving group of people will make it very difficult for them to continue, given house prices in riverside localities.

We maintain that the EA, in deciding to sell, or lease on the market, lock houses, is making a serious mistake, altering the character and traditions of the river for a modest short-term gain at the expense of safety.

Peter Finch
Chairman, River Thames Society
London NW10

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