November 2010 Update: Northmoor Weir

Weir Action Group UPDATE: November 2010

Keith Hutchence of the Environment Agency sent us the following information on the 5th November 2010.

“As you are probably aware, the Government recently announced its intention to transfer British Waterways into a new charitable body. British Waterways is currently responsible for maintaining the majority of our inland navigation. The Government also announced that it is reviewing whether the Environment Agency's own navigation functions, such as those on the River Thames, should be transferred to the new Waterways Trust to create a single navigation authority.

"As a result, we are now engaged in detailed discussions with British Waterways and the Government about what this might mean. Recent discussions centred on the possibility of transferring the Thames weirs, including Northmoor Weir, to the new trust. A decision is unlikely until early 2011 and until then I am afraid we are unable to hold any detailed discussions about a transfer to yourselves*.

"Should the Thames weirs remain with the Environment Agency, we remain committed to working with you regarding the future of Northmoor Weir. In the meantime, I would confirm that until any decision is made, the Environment Agency remains responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Northmoor Weir complex.”

* WAG had agreed, in August, to look into the possibility of setting up a charitable trust to manage the weir. As yet, we have received no information from the EA which would enable us to assess the viability of this option.

Keith has subsequently confirmed that, until these discussions have been concluded, no work on the weir will be contemplated. This means nothing will take place in 2011 but, if discussions do not reach a satisfactory conclusion, then work on replacing the weir with the mechanised version could take place in 2012 and 2013.

WAG is still in discussions with the EA over the Health & Safety issues. New lightweight paddles and rymers are currently undergoing trials at the weir and, if these trials are successful, WAG will ask for the EA to undertake pulling and lifting tests on them.

Keith Hutchence has promised to keep WAG up to date with any new information but it seems that it will be early 2011 before it becomes clear who, ultimately, we are dealing with!

It is important for WAG, and the rest of the community to keep monitoring the situation at the weir — remember that if action hadn’t been taken, and WAG formed, by now the project of replacing the weir would be underway! A big thank you to everyone who has helped with the campaign, it is yet another example of the community working well.

Nick Withers Chair, Weir Action Group

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