Northmoor Paddle and Rymer Weir, Lock and House

• Built in 1895 the combined weir lock and house are of unique heritage value in Europe
• In 1995 the weir was refurbished sympathetically using some of the original structures including the century old cast-iron plate in the river bed (to hold the rymers)
• The weir dates back several centuries (ref: EA Newsletter Northmoor Lock, Feb 2010)
• An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was NOT carried out at Northmoor
• Notification of the consultation period (17 July - 14 August, 2009) was posted at knee height on the weir. It was inconspicuous and inaccessible to the people of Appleton
• The EA Report was only made available in the week beginning 8 March 2010 with a closing date of 24 March for comments
• The reports which the EA use for their actions (e.g. Trueman 2002, 2008) are not openly accessible and The Freedom of Information Act will be needed to obtain them. (after this was mentioned at a meeting on 19 March a copy of the 2008 report was promised by S. Hughes)
• The reasons given for the work are mainly Health and Safety
• The EA decisions are based on The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and a consultants report (H.Williams 2009)
• The Williams Report - expresses concern over the lack of appropriate site specific training
• Reports that previous injuries (SHERMS) dating back to 2000 show no major injuries associated with Paddle and Rymer weirs but strains, sprains and splinters have been reported
• Not enough information is known about whether a system could be devised to meet the 1992 regulations • An offer of volunteer weir operatives from Appleton has been made
• On flooding, the new weir will be no higher than that in place now and during major floods the weirs are left open. A new weir will make little or no difference to e.g. Oxford or Abingdon
• Because the 1995 refurbishment gave the weir a life-span of at least 60 years the high cost of the project (£2.25m) could be better spent elsewhere, e.g. on bringing forward the Oxford Flood Relief Scheme or on enhancing the Seacourt and Hinksey streams
• The EA state that Northmoor Lock is remote yet 50000 visitors each year use this gloriously unspoilt site, which is the only site in Europe where Paddle and Rymer workings can be observed from above and below the weir and from being on the weir itself . It has great educational value.
• The EA encourage the use of the Thames for transport - what message is this giving to other potential river transporters?
• The Environment Agency wants us to be ‘green’. Surely doing nothing is the greenest option?
• How are they going to generate the electricity for the running of the weir?
• What happens when the weir fails?
• If this goes ahead it will be an act of vandalism 

The Weir Action Group has a Facebook group - just sign onto facebook and search for Weir Action Group.