NEW EDM

Early Day Motion Tabled on Thames Lock Houses Sell-off

IWA Press Release:

Release date: 16 May 2008

Early Day Motion Tabled on Thames Lock Houses Sell-off

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) announced today that following intensive parliamentary lobbying by the IWA and other Thames user groups, an Early Day Motion has been tabled by Ian Taylor MP ( Esher and Walton), concerning the proposed sell-off of Lock Houses on the Thames by the Environment Agency.

Early Day Motion  1587 states:

“That this House is concerned about the Environment Agency's proposal to dispose by sale or letting of 22 lock-keepers' homes along the Thames; recognises the importance of lock-keepers being resident in homes adjacent to locks to maintain safety on the river; fears for the welfare of the lock-keepers and their families; and calls on the Government to ask the Environment Agency to re-examine its decision so as to protect this unique part of the nation's river heritage and the tradition of lock-keepers living at the site of locks.”

IWA believes that this Early Day Motion is a reflection of the unprecedented concern and outrage of many people currently being expressed up and down the river.

Former Thames Navigation and Recreation Manager John Redmond, speaking in support of IWA’s campaign said:

 “ I am saddened to think that Thames managers are unable to find other efficiency savings that would have less of a permanent impact on the wellbeing of the River Thames, its users and local residents. Having staff living on site and being generally available as the first port of call for weir work and emergencies has proven its worth time and again over the years.”

IWA asks that all waterway supporters join together in lobbying their MPs to support this EDM and to help save an essential safety service and a distinct and valuable part of the Thames waterside community.

ENDS

For more information please contact  Jo Gilbertson  01923 711 114

Jo.Gilbertson@waterways.org.uk

Notes for Editors

The Inland Waterways Association

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is a registered charity, founded in 1946, which advocates the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the inland waterways for public benefit.

IWA has about 18,000 members whose interests include boating, towing path walking, industrial archaeology, nature conservation and many other activities associated with the inland waterways.  Information provided by 188 corporate members with their own membership structures has revealed that they, in themselves, have a combined membership of at least 59,500 in support of IWA's voice.

IWA works closely with navigation authorities, other waterway bodies, a wide range of national and local authorities, voluntary, private and public sector organisations to raise funds, lobby for support and encourage public participation in the inland waterways.

More than 500 miles of canals and navigable rivers have been re-opened to public use since the Association was founded in 1946. Currently another 500 miles of derelict inland waterways are the subject of restoration plans.