THE ANNOUNCEMENT that the Cookham lockkeepers’ house will not be axed by the Environment Agency has been welcomed by the Royal Borough Council leader.

After a long and sustained campaign by supporters of the lockkeepers, including strong support from MPs, plans to sell or rent off 22 of their river cottages have been changed.

The lock house in Odney Lane, Cookham and two in Maidenhead will remain.

Cllr David Burbage said: “Opposition to the closures came from all political groups on the council and we were determined to keep up the pressure on the EA to think again.

“I am pleased that the EA has listened to some extent to local communities and river users, who were appalled by what seemed short-sighted and dangerous proposals.

“However, we are not happy that there are still plans to sell one of the two houses that serve Boulters Lock and we will be taking this up with the EA at the earliest opportunity.”

The lock keeper's house in Glade Road, Marlow will also still be going up for sale.

The agency said all of its 45 sites along the river would be retained but five houses not on the river or adjacent to local sites would be ‘sold when they become available’.

Bisham and Cookham ward councillor, Cllr John Stretton, also a Cookham parish councillor, said: “Everyone knows that locks and weirs are potentially dangerous places that need expert people on hand to ensure they are used properly.

“We are delighted that the EA has seen sense and decided to retain the Cookham cottage.

“Cookham Lock is one of our many treasures and its continued safe operation is now assured.”