Brayman
regular
Reged: 27/11/2006
Posts: 1122
Loc: Bucks
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Press release
For immediate release 2 June 2008
Environment Agency lock keeper case crumbles in face of opposition from local MPs
Local MPs will meet a government Minster about the removal of resident lock keepers in the Thames Valley, in light of the poor case put forward by the Environment Agency for their removal.
Local MP Theresa May joined MPs from across the Thames Valley on 1 June to meet officials from the Environment Agency to discuss the proposed removal of resident lock keepers in the Thames Valley, and sale of lock keepers cottages. The meeting, which was also attended by local lock keepers and river users, gave MPs the opportunity to question the Environment Agency about their plans to sell off lock keepers cottages and remove resident lock keepers.
Maidenhead MP Theresa May, who is campaigning strongly for the lock keepers, said:
"From this meeting it became clear just how weak the Environment Agency’s case for getting rid of our lock keepers is. Environment Agency officials were unable to say how much money they would save, nor could they guarantee that the removal of resident lock keepers wouldn't cost more money than keeping them.
Perhaps most worrying was that officials did not seem to realise how much service is provided by resident lock keepers and how important it is to river users. Far from convincing MPs that the cuts were needed, the meeting made MPs realise just how important the lock keepers are. Whether it’s keeping junior rowers safe, stopping anti–social behaviour, or helping to prevent flooding, the resident lock keepers are always the first point of call. We want it to stay that way and we now look forward to putting the lock keepers case across to the Waterways Minster."
ENDS
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How come I am over the hill but I never made it to the top?
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No_Regrets
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Reged: 09/07/2007
Posts: 1223
Loc: Welwyn Garden City, Herts UK.
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Encouraging news, Thanks for that!
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Birchwood Owners Association (BOA) forum now open here -> http://birchwoodboats.aceboard.com/
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byron
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Reged: 16/05/2001
Posts: 6674
Loc: UK -Berks
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Whew! Some common sense from the House of Commons.
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Brayman
regular
Reged: 27/11/2006
Posts: 1122
Loc: Bucks
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Makes a change doesn't it!
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How come I am over the hill but I never made it to the top?
http://www.braycruiserclub.co.uk
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boatone
regular
Reged: 29/07/2001
Posts: 6617
Loc: Surrey uk
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Quote:
Whew! Some common sense from the House of Commons.
[cynicmode] Nah...just politicians looking towards votes and popularity [/cynicmode]
So, it appears its neither BW or the EA that run the Thames....its obviously the Lock Keepers 
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"Don't tell me why not, tell me how..."
Photo Gallery, Burgees and MADonTheThames
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Brayman
regular
Reged: 27/11/2006
Posts: 1122
Loc: Bucks
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If only..................
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How come I am over the hill but I never made it to the top?
http://www.braycruiserclub.co.uk
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apollo
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Reged: 12/09/2003
Posts: 1055
Loc: Thames
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Sounds promising...
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boatone
regular
Reged: 29/07/2001
Posts: 6617
Loc: Surrey uk
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Where did that press release come from Ian?
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"Don't tell me why not, tell me how..."
Photo Gallery, Burgees and MADonTheThames
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Brayman
regular
Reged: 27/11/2006
Posts: 1122
Loc: Bucks
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From a reliable sourse...........and
For your further information:
1. The meeting was held at 16.00 in Parliament and was attended by the following MPs: Philip Hammond, Theresa May, Adam Afriyie, Paul Goodman, Martin Salter, Dominic Grieve and Rob Wilson. It was also attended by representatives of David Cameron, Ian Taylor, David Wilshire and Dr Evan Harris.
2. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Maidenhead Rowing Club, the Inland Waterways, Thames Awash commercial boat users and a working Lock Keeper from the Thames Valley.
3. A meeting has been agreed to and a time is to be set, with DEFRA Minister Phil Woolas MP.
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How come I am over the hill but I never made it to the top?
http://www.braycruiserclub.co.uk
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boatone
regular
Reged: 29/07/2001
Posts: 6617
Loc: Surrey uk
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Nobody from the EA then...?
And only about half the Thames based MP's and the Early Day motion has only attracted 22 MP's signatures thus far..........
Guess there's an awful lot of water to flow over the weirs before the Reds will come down on this one.........
However.....Parliament is where it needs to happen and the main problem still remains....the EA Thames Division needs more money - lets hope the furore at least gets that message across.
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"Don't tell me why not, tell me how..."
Photo Gallery, Burgees and MADonTheThames
Edited by boatone (03/06/2008 21:10)
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