MP’S CONCERN OVER TEDDINGTON LOCK
Three local MP’s including Twickenham’s Munira Wilson have written a strongly-worded letter to the Environment Agency expressing their concern over the condition and the safety of Teddington Locks.
Monica Harding MP for Esher and Walton, who signed the letter with Sarah Olney MP and Munira Wilson, said: “Teddington Lock is a vital part of our river community — but for nearly two years, its deteriorating condition has disrupted local life.
“With the Launch Lock closed and the Barge Lock in serious disrepair, the impact on river navigation, local businesses, and emergency response times is growing more serious by the day. Together with Munira Wilson and Sarah Olney I’ve written to the Environment Agency to demand transparency around the delays, clarity on funding, and — above all — urgent action to restore safe, reliable lock operations.
“Our river community and public safety depend on it.”
Part of the letter says: “The deteriorating condition of the locks has serious implications for the river community. commercial navigation and most concerningly the safety of river users.”
The MP’s also highlight the concern of the RNLI. “The poor condition of the locks significantly hampers the RNLI’s ability to travel upstream and carry out lifesaving operations,” the letter adds.
It states: “Teddington Lock is a vital part of our local water infrastructure yet it is our understanding that both the Launch and the Barge Locks are effectively inoperable. The Launch Lock has now been closed for nearly two years.”