Lock keepers to lobby TUC congress (From Bucks Free Press)

Lock keepers to lobby TUC congress

4:40pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008 in

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LOCK KEEPERS and concerned river users will lobby outside the TUC congress next week over the proposals to sell or rent lock keepers houses.

The lock keeper's cottage in Glade Road, Marlow, is listed as one to be sold among a total of 22 by the Environment Agency, whilst Cookham Lock in Odney Lane will be rented.

A demonstration has been organised by GMB – Britain's General Union – outside the Brighton Centre, London, on September 11 to protest against the plans.

The GMB hopes to bring more wide scale attention to the issue and attract support from the TUC. It also hopes to meet with Environment Minister Hillary Benn and will call for an independent enquiry into the EA's management who are responsible for the proposals.

Mother-of-two Kim Benge, wife of Cookham lock keeper Adam Benge, has lead the campaign against the move.

She said: “ Anyone who is interested in the river and wants to stop them weaken the flood defences should join us. We are the first line of defence.

“It's not to support us, it's to support the river. We could live anywhere but that's not the point, the points is it's not safe without a lock keeper.

"We've put a fight because that's what we really believe in.”

Steve Mckenzie, lock, weir keeper, craft and manual branch secretary of the GMB: “ We are seeking a meeting with Hillary Benn to discuss GMB members concerns.

"We have got no confidence at all given their statements that they are actually committed to looking at the plans properly.

“I think it's being lead by finance rather than the needs of the public.

"What we are saying is that if you remove the lock keepers and do away with their house you are going to create a situation where it's going to be dangerous and put life and property at risk.”

The Marlow Free Press contacted the The Environment Agency, which referred us to a previous statement.

It read: “No action will be taken to sell or rent lock houses until these negotiations on the full review are completed.

“We anticipate that this will take 6 months but this guarantee will continue until all negotiations are completed or January 1, 2009, which ever is latest. “We will then review the position on lock houses with lock-keepers and their representatives and with the MPs group.”