Political Editor - Lockhouse Review Fails to Stand Up To Scrutiny

Lockhouse Review Fails to Stand Up To Scrutiny Says MP
...David Cameron Supports Campaign...

3rd June 2008

Reading East MP, Rob Wilson, yesterday met with the Environment Agency to ask it to explain its decision to sell or lease 22 Lock-Keepers properties along the Thames. Blakes Lock in Rob's constituency is due to be one of the properties put up for rent or sale.

At the meeting were waterways campaigners who wish to save the Lockhouses and other Thames Valley MPs. The meeting was hosted and chaired by Phillip Hammond MP.

At the meeting the Environment Agency outlined its £4 million funding gap, caused by Government cuts following the rural payments fiasco. The plan is for permanent lock-keepers to retire and for their properties to be sold or rented out to the private sector, raising £3.7 million in capital receipts and making (according to provisional figures) a savings of £210,000 per year. Permanent staff will be replaced by increased numbers of part-time staff.

Under intense questioning by MPs the figure for potential savings began to unravel, service levels would be compromised and health and safety issues arose from the proposed changes. There was also concern over the welfare of the local-keepers and their families.

Rob Wilson MP said: "I am utterly unconvinced by these proposals and I am very surprised they are being put forward as a serious proposition. The 'savings' appear based on dubious calculations and are at best small when compared to the public safety risk and reduction in service to users of the Thames. I am very concerned that these proposals compromise safety for those using the river and I am not persuaded by Environment Agency assurances about there being no impact on flood monitoring and emergency weir operation.

I am delighted that David Cameron has agreed to support our campaign to get the Environment Agency to look again at its proposals. Conservative MPs, including our Party Leader, have written to the Environment Agency raising our concerns.