Theresa May has criticised the Environment Agency’s decision to sell lock keepers cottages along the Thames and has joined with other Thames Valley MPs to carry on fighting the decision in parliament.
The Environment Agency had been consulting on the future of the resident lock keepers and their cottages earlier this year. However despite protests it has taken the decision to sell off the cottages, leaving local locks unmanned.
Commenting on the decision, Theresa said:
“The Environment Agency is trying to save money, but getting rid of resident lock keepers is a false economy. There is no adequate replacement for an experienced resident lock keeper on the river. They are the first point of call in an emergency, performing an essential role fighting floods, and helping the huge number of people who use the river during the summer months.”
“Many MPs in the area feel strongly about this and we will work together to fight this. I am asking for a meeting with a Minister about the lock keepers and will be signing a parliamentary Early Day Motion calling on the Environment Agency to rethink its decision and work to protect this unique part of the nation’s river heritage and the tradition of lock-keepers living at the site of locks.”
