A message from the Weir Action Group.

An excerpt from the mission statement from the Environmental Agency Web Site: -

"Taken as a whole this strategy is our contribution to sustainable development. We are writing this strategy at a time of economic uncertainty. We will continue to review our priorities and our ways of working to make sure we maximise the value for money we get from every pound we spend."

We, the Weir Action Group, question the value for money we get from spending £2.3m on the replacement of a weir that doesn't need replacing. The proposed project causes waste of public money heavy traffic through the village for over 2 years destruction of a historic site that is unique in Europe.

Don't fall for the EA's arguments that are designed to scare you into silent acceptance.

Traffic: we were not consulted; there are alternative routes to the river.

Flood Protection: The new weir doesn't help prevent flooding as the new weir will do exactly what the old weir does at the moment. There are no flood protection benefits.

Health & Safety: H&S concerns for the lock keepers operating the weir can be addressed by improved and repeated training. The Health and Safety report solicited by the EA grossly exaggerates past injuries and accidents. No major injuries or fatalities have ever been caused by the operating of the weir. The main health risks are back problems due to poor posture while operating the weir and splinters!

Read the report and you will come to the conclusion that Health & Safety concerns can be satisfied largely by additional training to be provided to the lock and weir keepers in a realistic environment. What does the Health and Safety Executive have to say regarding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders? (see www.hse.gov.uk/msd). It is important to remember that:

1. things can be done to prevent MSDs
2. preventative measures are cost-effective
3. all MSDs cannot be prevented……

Flood protection is not addressed; H&S concerns can cost-effectively be avoided by better training. So what is the real driving force behind the weir replacement? We demand an open consultation process from the EA (including an assessment of impact on the environment) and a delay of the work until a proper consolation has taken place.

Say "No" to the replacement of Northmoor Lock Weir!

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