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Lock Keepers Cottages
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SALTER CAMPAIGNS TO SAVE LOCK-KEEPERS’ RESIDENCES Reading West MP, Martin Salter, will be meeting next month with lock-keepers and the Environment Agency (E.A.) to ask the E.A to reconsider their decision to dispose, by sale or letting, of 22 lock-keepers’ homes along the Thames, including the residence at Blake’s Lock in Reading. Mr Salter has signed House of Commons Early Day Motion 1587 Lock-Keepers’ Residences which 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. Mr Salter said: “I believe that the Environment Agency is making a fundamental mistake in flogging off 10 lock houses and decommissioning another 12. These are public assets and should remain in the public sector. The existence of an on-site presence at weirs and locks prevents vandalism and enhances safety. The River Thames is a fabulous asset but also a dangerous place, particularly at times of flooding. These changes are wrong and must be stopped.” The meeting will be taking place in the House of Commons on Monday 2nd June, and was organised by Philip Hammond, MP for Runnymede and Weybridge. www.politicaleditor.co.uk |
