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We went through Chertsey as well and saw there was a very faded blue sign hanging on the lock gates saying lock unmanned. This seems to be a regular scenario at this lock in particular and jugging by the state of the gardens and lawn, looked as though nobody had been there for some time. This lock used to absolutely immaculate with their gardens and flowers, so a shame to see it looking unkempt. I know it's a bit early for a full on display, but doesn't look as though anything has been touched. We also headed down through Sunbury lock on Sunday afternoon, and that was unmanned as well!

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On enquiry I was told that the Lockkeeper, Paul King has bee off sick with hip trouble for some six months. Since then the lock has been managed by a succession of temporaries, reliefs and whatever. Accordingly the loving care normally lavished on the site by Paul have not been available. So that's why it's scruffy - and more frequently unmanned. Chertsey is a shallow and easy lock to work and that is one of the reasons that when there are staff shortages it is on the top of the list to be unmanned.

It is a pity that EA don't run to a health insurance scheme else he would be running around by now. I was told he has had to wait ages for an X-ray and even longer for an assessment. Our wonderful NHS (not) again failing to deliver the goods.

If there are any orthopaedic surgeons around willing to help by pulling some strings perhaps they could contact?

For the time being I'm sure many Forum members would join me in wishing him well, and hope for a speedy repair??

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