River Thames Page

FutureEvents

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Please check our website for up to date details of all our events and boat trips. Further details and booking from the Trust Office on 01403 752403. office@weyandarun.co.uk www.weyandarun.co.uk Northern Office Phone: 01483 505566 (Mondays-Thursdays, 8.30am-12.30pm) For general information on the work of the Trust, please telephone our Northern Office on 01483 505566, or visit www.weyandarun.co.uk

River Thames News

The results of the Environment Agency [EA] national consultation on license fees came down firmly against charging by boat area but produced mixed views on license increases, largely dependent on region. What was most surprising was the lack of responses[apathy] from many of the boat owners on the Thames, given the proposed increases. This, despite strenuous efforts by the boat clubs to encourage their members to respond. British Rowing objected to the proposed increases in fees for small events because their profit margins are so small.

The water point backflow issues has led to EA setting up a small working group led by Peter Collins to look at alternative solutions, and a bespoke design is currently being tested at two locks. The need for more robust devices is due to the poor water quality in the Thames which is an unfortunate situation given that the EA isthe regulatory authority for water quality. The bi-annual user group meeting was held online in October. It was unfortunate that it was not possible for any of the National Navigation EA staff to attend given the level of disquiet being expressed about a range of issues by User Group members. It was also a lost opportunity for EA to promote a dynamic approach to solving the problems that have arisen due to Covid restrictions and safety concerns. A budget for the next year was presented but due to the historic non-alignment of the license year and the accounting year, it is virtually impossible to interpret the figure in a meaningful way. There is not enough money to clear the backlog of outstanding, maintenance issues this year and I am unaware of any fiveor ten-year plan for the river maintenance. There was a debate about enforcement of license fees and mooring fees, including enforcing paddle boards’licenses. In a more recent dialogue, the issue of jet skis has been debated. While still uncommon on the non-tidal river, they have been seen at random locations, not always using the river responsibly.Most recently accelerating up a set of boat rollers next to a lock. No doubt water blades will be the next issue.

Photo Courtesy: IWA Website Verna Smith