Northmoor Weir Campaign

Message from the Northmoor Weir Campaign Chairman

14th May 2012: "As you know the Northmoor Weir Campaign Team has been working with the Environment Agency concerning the issues surrounding Northmoor Weir and new conversations will begin this week. I am sure you also know that the Agency had been worried that their lock keepers risked straining themselves to remove `paddles’ that allow the water of the river Thames through a weir at Northmoor in times of flood. As many of you will know better than I, this is a task that must have been done by lock keepers for as long as there have been watermills on the Thames over hundreds of years.

"It would appear that the Environment Agency has done everything possible to make the equipment lighter and easier for its staff, but tests by ergonomists had suggested that despite these efforts the lock keepers were still having to lift significant weights. Fortunately the Environment Agency made a video of its testing, and when this was examined closely, under the watchful eye of retired H&S engineer Dudley Hoddinott, it became clear that the lock keepers were using a technique to release the paddles, perhaps passed down the ages, after which the paddles almost floated to the surface making them easy to remove.

"If this is confirmed by more sophisticated testing, it could mean that the lock keepers can continue to do their job, allowing the EA to further investigate more direct ways of protecting Thames-side homes from flooding. The Weir Campaign Team agrees with Dudley Hoddinot when he says that that Health and Safety often get a bad press and it is nice to report some good news, especially if it gives an extended life to a picturesque part of our local landscape. Therefore, I am sure that the Environment Agency will be delighted that its lock keepers have demonstrated their weir technique, and will appreciate the keen observations that will help to guide the Agency in future tests to properly understand how weir paddles have been operated by lock keepers over the centuries.

"We will continue to keep you informed of developments as they unfold and we will be trying to establish in these meetings whether or not the modernisation plans are destined to take place. Another factor to be analysed is whether the Environment Agency has, as requested by Nicola Blackwood in her Private Member’s Motion, presented the cost-benefit analysis of the programme." Mike Hill Chairman: Northmoor Weir Campaign

14th March 2012: Environment Agency announces a postponement of the mechanisation programme and issued a briefing on 15th March as follows: -

5th March 2012: Nicola Blackwood has given permission for the letter below to be published on the Parish website:-

Dear Residents,

Thanks to the Northmoor Weir Campaign team for keeping me updated over the past 48-72 hours regarding developments surrounding planning permissions for EA’s preparatory work for the proposed rebuilding of Northmoor Weir. Having read all the email correspondence carefully, I can understand the concern and uncertainty of residents about how these matters have been dealt with.

I have spoken to the Planning Development Manager at the Vale, Mike Gilbert , who has advised me that EA has withdrawn its planning application for the erection of a temporary compound because it is situated on operational land and therefore does not need planning permission to be granted. Access to the compound along Eaton Road does however require planning permission, and I am advised that EA is yet to apply for such permission.

Therefore I understand that preparation work cannot commence until this issue is resolved. Please see Mr Gilbert’s e-mail below which confirms the Vale’s position on this matter. I have now also spoken to Weir Action Group Chairman, Mike Hill to confirm this advice.

The second matter raised relates to permission to access Cathie Little’s property. Having called Cathie yesterday, I have now written to the EA on her behalf, providing them with a copy of a letter from her solicitor, and requested confirmation on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment has been conducted as set out in the relevant regulations.

As many of you would be aware, following my speech in Parliament on 21st February 2012, I have been exploring other avenues, including the National Audit Office and the Health and Safety Executive, to establish the case for a suspension of the project while a proper cost-benefit analysis is undertaken. I am still awaiting substantive responses on this and I will of course contact you again when I receive this.

In the meantime, please continue to keep me informed of matters on the ground. I will continue to advocate for you on this matter as best I can.

Kind regards

Nicola Blackwood MP

email dated 1st March 2012 from Vale of White Horse to Nicila Blackwood

Dear Ms Blackwood,

Thank you for your phone call this afternoon. You asked me to send you a short email explaining the planning position regarding the works the Environment Agency (EA) are carrying out in preparation for their repair work to Northmoor weir.

The planned repair work to Northmoor weir itself is "permitted development" (meaning it does not need planning permission), as it is being carried out by the EA on its own operational land.

The creation of the temporary compound is also permitted development as it is required to enable the EA to carry out the repair work on the weir and it adjoins where that work will actually take place. The planning application for the compound, therefore, has just been withdrawn as the EA can create the compound without the need for planning permission.

The new access road to the compound which is to be taken off Eaton Road, however, is not permitted development as it does not adjoin the land where the repair work to the weir will take place. The EA has been advised that the access road needs planning permission.

Hope that helps. Please come back to me if you have any more questions.

Kind regards,

Mike Gilbert Planning Development Manager Vale of White Horse DC

mike.gilbert@southandvale.gov.uk

Visit us at www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk

Nicola Blackwood speaks out in the Oxford Mail see Oxford Mail 24 Feb2012
Main page for Nicola Blackwood’s Flood Defence Debate
Transcript Nicola Blackwood Flood Defence Debate
Draft letters to the Prime Minister and the Environment Agency
Poster “Write a letter” campaign
News Release Flood Defence debate
Podcast of Flood Defence debate
Transcript on website

Link here to September 2011 pictures

21st February 2012: Nicola Blackwood MP raised the issue of Northmoor Weir and the plans by the Environment Agency to spend nearly £3m on mechanising the weir during a Prive Member's Debate in Westminster Hall.

See

20th February 2012 Oxford Mail letter from the Oxford Flood Alliance

**30th January 2012: A message from Dr Graham Shelton of Northmoor** Dear All, Thank you to everyone who came along to the public meeting at Northmoor Village Hall on Friday, January 27th 2012. Thank you also to the many others from the Norhmoor side of the river who have pledged their support but were otherwise engaged at Burns Suppers, family gatherings and other events. We worked very hard at the meeting to give a fair view of what is proposed by the EA, and were ably supported by Mr Colin Buddin, retired Northmoor lock keepper and union Representative concerning health and safety issues, Mr Chris Mullineux, retired lock-keeper and Supervisor, Tasmin Shattock, an assistant to Nicola Blackwood MP (representing Nicola who was at Chequers with the Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues) and Councillor Dudley Hoddinott, Liberal Democrat District Councillor and an expert on health and safety. We were also pleased to welcome Mrs Val Ryan, Parish Councillor, and Mr Michael Ryan, Parish Clerk, as well as Mr Mike Hill and Mrs Cathie Little from the Northmoor Weir Campaign Team. In all we had about 28 people in the hall, including representatives from Standlake and Stanton Harcourt.

There is too much to summarise here, but there was a general feeling that we had added to understanding of the issues involved, and had done so in a balanced way, albeit that we did not have a representative of the EA present. We were pleased, however, that Michael Ryan was able to distribute copies of Mr Robert Florey's e-mail summarising the Northmoor Parish Council view. If you need more details, do please contact me directly. There are arguments about cost, health and safety, speed and reliability of response, flooding, resilience and heritage, and in my view none of them favour spending £3 million when as a nation we are already a trillion pounds in debt and adding to it at a rate of £5000 a second. Importantly if you, like me, think that this is a potty and unnecessary waste of money which comes from the Flood Levy Budget at a time when disbursements from this fund have been reduced to virtually zero for real flood prevention in our neighbourhood, is it critical that you write, as a taxpayer, to David Cameron at once. The work is due to start next month! Natasha Alden, from David Cameron's office is co-ordinating the inputs to David on this and her e-mail address is aldenn@parliament.uk. Please get on your computer today and request that as a taxpayer you need to see this work suspended at once. Thank you. With best regards Graham graham@pharmagenesis.com

7th November 2011: Mike Hill, chairman, said: "This is just to say a big thank you to everyone connected with the event at the weir on Saturday. I know a number were unable to attend but you would have been with us in spirit. To those who were able to come and support, I am sure you would agree that we had a great afternoon with a superb atmosphere and the opportunity to bring many people up to speed with the latest developments in the campaign. I would like to thank everyone for the part they played. From the point at which we placed our first advert to the many individual converations, to the serving of the last cup of tea, everything was a fantastic effort. A rough head count suggests that there were around 100 adults and 30 or so children who came to visit us. Many going away with a new perspective on what we are trying to achieve. (and leaving behind more signatures in the petition!) So, thanks to everyone who played a part in the planning and delivery."

**SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER 2011: Northmoor Lock 2:00 to 5:00pm**
The Northmoor Weir Campaign team invite you to an open afternoon at Northmoor Weir to see what all the fuss is about. Meet in the paddocks by Northmoor Weir • hot dogs • children’s quiz • campfire. Come and hear about the Weir from a retired lockkeeper. Pedestrian access from Appleton via the lock road [by permission of AH Cornish] or by the Thames path. It will be dark so don’t forget to bring a torch. Restricted parking at Weir please ring 07974 309958 for details. Poster attached Weir Event 5th November 2011

30th January 2012: A message from Dr Graham Shelton of Northmoor 
Dear All, 

Thank you to everyone who came along to the public meeting at Northmoor Village Hall on Friday, January 27th 2012.  Thank you also to the many others from the Norhmoor side of the river who have pledged their support but were otherwise engaged at Burns Suppers, family gatherings and other events. 

We worked very hard at the meeting to give a fair view of what is proposed by the EA, and were ably supported by Mr Colin Buddin, retired Northmoor lock keepper and union Representative concerning health and safety issues, Mr Chris Mullineux, retired lock-keeper and Supervisor, Tasmin Shattock, an assistant to Nicola Blackwood MP (representing Nicola who was at Chequers with the Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues) and Councillor Dudley Hoddinott, Liberal Democrat District Councillor and an expert on health and safety.  We were also pleased to welcome Mrs Val Ryan, Parish Councillor, and Mr Michael Ryan, Parish Clerk, as well as Mr Mike Hill and Mrs Cathie Little from the Northmoor Weir Campaign Team. In all we had about 28 people in the hall, including representatives from Standlake and Stanton Harcourt.

There is too much to summarise here, but there was a general feeling that we had added to understanding of the issues involved, and had done so in a balanced way, albeit that we did not have a representative of the EA present. We were pleased, however, that Michael Ryan was able to distribute copies of Mr Robert Florey's e-mail summarising the Northmoor Parish Council view. 

If you need more details, do please contact me directly. There are arguments about cost, health and safety, speed and reliability of response, flooding, resilience and heritage, and in my view none of them favour spending £3 million when as a nation we are already a trillion pounds in debt and adding to it at a rate of £5000 a second. 

Importantly if you, like me, think that this is a potty and unnecessary waste of money which comes from the Flood Levy Budget at a time when disbursements from this fund have been reduced to virtually zero for real flood prevention in our neighbourhood, is it critical that you write, as a taxpayer, to David Cameron at once. The work is due to start next month! 

Natasha Alden, from David Cameron's office is co-ordinating the inputs to David on this and her e-mail address is aldenn@parliament.uk. Please get on your computer today and request that as a taxpayer you need to see this work suspended at once. 

Thank you. 

With best regards 

Graham
graham@pharmagenesis.com

7th November 2011: Mike Hill, chairman, said: "This is just to say a big thank you to everyone connected with the event at the weir on Saturday. I know a number were unable to attend but you would have been with us in spirit. To those who were able to come and support, I am sure you would agree that we had a great afternoon with a superb atmosphere and the opportunity to bring many people up to speed with the latest developments in the campaign. I would like to thank everyone for the part they played. From the point at which we placed our first advert to the many individual converations, to the serving of the last cup of tea, everything was a fantastic effort. A rough head count suggests that there were around 100 adults and 30 or so children who came to visit us. Many going away with a new perspective on what we are trying to achieve. (and leaving behind more signatures in the petition!) So, thanks to everyone who played a part in the planning and delivery."

SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER 2011: Northmoor Lock 2:00 to 5:00pm

The Northmoor Weir Campaign team invite you to an open afternoon at Northmoor Weir to see what all the fuss is about. Meet in the paddocks by Northmoor Weir • hot dogs • children’s quiz • campfire. Come and hear about the Weir from a retired lockkeeper. Pedestrian access from Appleton via the lock road [by permission of AH Cornish] or by the Thames path. It will be dark so don’t forget to bring a torch. Restricted parking at Weir please ring 07974 309958 for details. Poster attached Weir Event 5th November 2011

An open letter from Mike Hill: Chair of Northmoor Weir Campaign Team

Dear Appleton and Eaton Residents,

The Northmoor Weir: 3rd October 2011

It is great to have this local resource and I trust we will continue to make best use of it!

**Link to the Petition and sign up!**
Northmoor Weir Petition

Firstly, I don’t believe it is necessary to rake over months and months of history here, but I do want to recognise the tireless work of the Weir Action Group under the leadership of Nick Withers. This group of people, with its victories and its disappointments, have been the front line in the fight to retain the status of the Weir. They have provided a strategically significant platform that includes excellent research, a wealth of background information on a variety of issues, good local public awareness, not to mention the tenacity required to take on the Environment Agency (EA) directly. I want to publically thank them for that!

We all know that matters came to a head on Monday, September 19th 2011 when a meeting with the EA left most attendees feeling angry, hurt and more than a little “duped” by their behaviour. Following this meeting, a flurry of email exchanges over several days resulted in a gathering where a new direction was forged in the fight for the Weir. The commitment and passion of the Weir Action Group has now given us the opportunity to build further and evolve the group into The Northmoor Weir Campaign Team.

As the Northmoor Weir Campaign Team, we will be taking the fight even closer to our “adversary” by doing several things that include:

Launching a significant public awareness campaign in this last quarter of the year.
Mounting a legal challenge (with professional advice) to some of the more significant aspects of the EA case for development.
Making an official complaint at the best time concerning the behaviour of EA officials at the recent meeting and working more closely with our MP.
Providing a much wider awareness of our situation through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, the possible creation of a short DVD and on-line petitions with links from associated websites with a stake in the river, and surrounding land. (Also, the creation of a Campaign Website)

As you read this, you may think of a way in which you can support the team; I am not asking for a large commitment of time but would invite you to play your part in whatever way you can, whenever you can!. Even if you have no strong opinion either way about the Weir, please help us to highlight that this money is NOT being used where most needed and, as a locality, we are not prepared to become a focus of attention when the “wastage of government money in times of austerity” accusations start to fly!

Personally, I have never chosen to be involved in a fight that I didn’t think was winnable; I feel no different about the fight for Northmoor Weir – it is just a matter of how we plan and execute our strategy together.

Vincent Lombardi once said, “The achievements of an organisation are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” Please join us in any way you can as we seek to step up to meet the challenge.

With sincere best wishes.

Mike Hill

Chair of Northmoor Weir Campaign Team, Old Bye’s Farm, Eaton mjahill@tiscali.co.uk

PS Contact me anytime by email with comments or questions and I will be happy to assist where I can.

The Weir Action Group

Weir Action Group (WAG) was set up at a public meeting, called by the Parish Council, on 8 March 2010. It’s aim was to question the reasoning behind the Environment Agency’s plans to replace the weir at Northmoor Lock with a fully mechanised version. The EA claimed the work to be necessary to meet Health and Safety requirements, for employees operating the weir, and that a new mechanical weir would also help reduce the risk of flooding.

WAG’s objections to the scheme were based on the following:

There was no evidence that the mechanised weir would improve water management during periods of high flood risk. During the floods of 2007 (the most extreme conditions in over 25 years) no problems were experienced in dealing with the high levels of water using the manual system.
WAG believes that the proposed cost of between £2.5 and £3 million doesn’t represent good use of taxpayers money, in an era of drastic cost-cutting. WAG believes that cheaper, manual, alternatives were not properly costed.
Documentation to support the EA’s Health and Safety argument uses exaggerated claims regarding the damaging effects of the forces required to operate the weir manually. There have been no recorded cases of any serious injuries to lock-keepers under the current manual operating guidelines.
The EA had not properly assessed the impact of the work on the Parish. It had also not fully investigated lower impacting alternatives.
The loss of a historic site. The weir was extensively upgraded in 1990 (work that was projected to last for at least 40 years!).

Following WAG’s initial objections the EA agreed to postpone the work for a year to enable further consultation to take place. In August 2010 the EA made an offer to WAG to investigate the possibility of setting up a Trust to run the Weir. WAG is still waiting for confirmation of exactly this would entail.

In February 2011 the government decided that the Environment Agency’s navigations (waterways) should transfer to a new waterways charity, similar to the National Trust. This has meant that any meaningful discussions between the EA and WAG have been put on hold. For further information please go to http://www.appletonwitheaton.org.uk/northmoorweir_archive

Nick Withers

Chair, Weir Action Group

Appleton with Eaton Parish

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