Sir, The decision of the Environment Agency to withdraw resident lock and weir-keepers from (initially) seven locks and to sell, or let for private use, 22 river-staff houses on the Thames (report, May 6) is the last straw in a series of measures designed to cut costs, but that will put an end to the cherished character of the river that millions of visitors and users have enjoyed for generations.

The number of experienced permanent staff employed to look after the 44 locks and weirs is being severely cut. With many different types of craft — from fragile canoes to steel narrowboats and barges — working through together, there are serious risks of damage and injury when there is no experienced supervision and control.

Routine dredging of shoals of silt that build up in the river — making navigation difficult and obstructing the free-flowing of the river — no longer takes place. Overgrown trees and riverbank vegetation are being allowed to obstruct the river.

Regular inspection and management of the river by boat rarely takes place. Patrol boats have been sold and staff are office-bound.

And yet, over the past two years the cost of the annual licence for a typical private family cruising boat has risen by 25 per cent, to more than £400. The cost has doubled in ten years.

The team of friendly, conscientious and experienced resident lock-keepers forms the heart of the River Thames community. Many sites are in remote places and an experienced resident keeper is essential for the wellbeing of the Thames.

John Dalton

Chairman, River Users Group 3 (Sandford to Cleeve)

Wallingford, Oxon

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.

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