Lockkeepers battle not done, says angry Cookham campaigner (From Bucks Free Press)

Lockkeepers battle not done, says angry Cookham campaigner

8:50am Sunday 31st January 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(4)

A LOCKKEEPER'S wife who battled to save her family's home says the fight is still not over - despite an announcement saying a deal had been agreed.

Lockkeepers' cottages were under threat from cost-cutting plans by the Environment Agency to axe 22 of the 57 River Thames properties in 2008.

The proposal met widespread opposition including many MPs and the agency was forced to re-think the move.

Kim Benge, 48, of Odney Lane, Cookham ran the campaign to save the lock houses after lockkeepers, including husband Adam, 49, were banned from speaking out.

The EA told staff they were not allowed to comment on the proposal.

The agency said earlier this month a deal had been agreed, but the matter is not done and dusted, an angry Mrs Benge said.

The mother-of-two said the agency's actions were “bizarre” because campaign group Save Our Service has not even seen the final draft of the agreement yet, let alone signed it.

“It's what the EA want people to think – that it's all been signed.

"SOS have had to employ a solicitor to make sure that the details are correct. It's not done yet.

“It's totally ridiculous, it's bizarre really because it makes everybody feel silly.”

Lockkeepers are prepared “in principal” to sign the deal, she said.

However, she added they are cautious because they “don't trust a single thing” the EA say.

Mrs Benge said the whole process had been “murder” although negotiations had come a long way since “ ridiculous” clauses in the first contract such as not being allowed to hang out washing.

Lockkeepers may have faced paying for outside renovations under the initial plan and therefore they want to examine the contract in close detail, Mrs Benge said.

The frustrated campaigner said she wanted it all “over and done with” as soon as possible because it has “ground down” the family.

“We just want them to be able to do their job and not worry any more their family will be homeless. Adam has a village and site too look after,” she said.

The Marlow Free Press put Mrs Benge's claims to the EA, which released this statement:

"We have reached an agreement with the unions involved, who received unanimous approval from all lock and weir staff when they were balloted on these proposals.

"Therefore the discussions on the terms and conditions are now complete and we are in the process of implementing the agreement with our staff."