Thames Navigation Users Forum 26 February 2019

Minutes of Meeting Thames Navigation Users Forum

Date: 26 February 2019 Time: 10.30 am to 3.30 pm Venue: G1/G2, Kings Meadow House, Reading

Chair: JS/BR Julia Simpson/Barry Russell Secretariat: VSa Vicky Sanders

In attendance Members: AW Andrew Wilbey River User Group 4/5 AD Alan Dawe River User Group 3 BK Bob King River User Group 6 CMu Chris Murdoch British Marine Thames Valley CT Chris Turner River User Group 7 GP Graham Paterson National Association of Boat Owners GW Greg Wheeler British Marine Thames Valley JP John Pleace British Marine Thames Valley JS John Shepherd RYA London and the South East KE Kevin East British Canoeing MD Margherita Davidson RUG 1/2 MS Michael Shefras Thames User Group – Navigation MC Mike Chambers Assoc. Thames Yacht Club ML Murray Litvak British Rowing PF Peter Finch River Thames Society PS Philip Sachse River User Group 3 RW Rex Walden Residential Boat Owners Association SC Steve Collins River User Group 8 TR Tony Riley Thames Motor Boaters Association VS Verna Smith Inland Waterways Association

In attendance, Environment Agency: JS Julia Simpson Thames Director BR Barry Russell Non-Tidal Thames Harbour Master NMS Nick McKie-Smith Waterways Operations Manager – Compliance Vsa Vicky Sanders Waterways Operations Manager – Business CM Carol Morgan River Operations Manager DT Dan Taylor Strategic Engagement Manager SH Sam Holland Navigation Advisor PC Peter Collins Operations – Waterways Assets RR Russell Robson Waterways Operations Team Leader

Observer: IL Ian Lindsay Lechlade Marina

Apologies: MO Mark Ormrod Environment and Business Manager OV Olga Vaisset Finance Business Partner - Thames BC Brian Clark British Marine AS Andy Soper DBA – The Barge Association Thames Navigation Users Forum 26 February 2019

Agenda item 01: Welcome, apologies, housekeeping and photo montage

JS gave apologies for those not attending and welcomed new Members.

Members were advised that work is being carried out across all teams and government with regard to the EU exit. We are actively agreeing what work we can stop and slow due to amount of work required in supporting the exit and also the possibility of a no deal. We are acting in full incident mode and rostered to work 2 x day shifts, taking staff away from the day job. Waterways recognises there is a need to preserve its frontline activities and priorities including assistance during the season. To support this way of working the decision has been taken to cancel the June 2019 TNUF meeting. There is a Waterways/RUG Chair meeting in March and the next full TNUF meeting will be October 2019. This position may be reviewed if there is an exit deal.

The Environment Agency’s incident planning and stop and slow is to respond to the demand and/or knock on effect of interruptions in the supply chain with goods not being available e.g. water chemicals to treat water which come from Europe, travel logistics which could affect access/egress facilities for some of our key depots where flood barriers are stored, working with Local Resilience Forum partners etc. In addition the Environment Agency has a greater technical ability than others and will advise on such matters as how to dispose of waste, regulated activities and nuclear regulation.

The photo montage focused on compliance and enforcement activities that have taken place across the river since the last meeting. Members congratulated the teams involved and are keen that Waterways maintain focus on visible compliance.

It was mentioned that there are abandoned, unnamed boats and illegal moorings opposite Windsor race course and d/s and u/s of Boveney Lock. No action has been taken. This discussion will be taken outside the meeting.

SC commented that he would like to be engaged in Flag Days so that he can give moral support to Waterways staff. It was noted that Waterways has been criticised in the past for giving advanced notice of Flag Days thereby pre-warning those who may navigate under the radar. However BR agreed that advance notice of the dates of Flag Days could be released to RUG chairs as long as they agreed not to publish this. It is recognised that the Flag Days are dependent on river conditions and department priorities and can be subject to change.

Comment was made that the Tidal Thames has been revitalised by building of the tideway tunnel.

Agenda item 02: National Navigation Team

The National Navigation Team gave a presentation on their current priorities and achievements. Questions were taken at the end of the presentation. The presentation is circulated with these minutes and although the general content is available for onward discussion, the presentation itself should not be further presented by Members.

Alice Mayne (Forestry Commission - Head of Recreation and Visitor Experience) is the new Deputy Director of Navigation & Commercial. Alice will report to Neil Davis, the Director of Future Funding who reports to Executive Director, Harvey Bradshaw. Alice will review commercial activities across the business and will focus on Navigation as a priority. She will also support Robert Gould the new Navigation board member. Both will attend NNUF and Alice and Robert will be invited to a future TNUF meeting.

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One of 4 objectives of Future Funding is to provide a first class service in Navigation and address the funding issues. Strategic Review of Charges (SRoC) project The plan is to reform Navigation charges across all Environment Agency Waterways with an implementation date of 1 April 2021. Charges will be streamlined being mindful of legal governance and workshops are planned for June/early July.

Capital funding Government has supported additional capital funding of £8m across all EA Waterways for 2019 to 2020 (allocation still to be confirmed). This is positive news. The national team is looking at revenue funding for this period too.

Registration renewals A new renewal process, where NCCC provide an end to end service and dedicated phone line, was trialled in Medway and has now been rolled out to Thames and Anglian. Customers can phone to renew their registration and NCCC will issue the registration at that time. This has led to a decrease in postal applications, time saved in processing the postal applications and an increase in time available to deal with more difficult applications.

In response to the presentation: Members were concerned that consideration has not been given to or included previous work carried out on reviewing registration charges. This is as far back as 2006. It was confirmed that historic information has been reviewed. The intention of this review is that the cost of service to the boater reflects what the boater actually receives.

Although Members welcome a review of services across the business there is no wish for boaters to supplement other river users or be charged off the river through paying an increased registration fee. Members are sceptical that increased fees will increase funding. Is the Environment Agency considering current levels of service rather than the service boaters wish to have? The current level is not as good as Members would like it to be. It is recognised that the current service may not be the service Waterways want to provide in the future, but Waterways does want to achieve a baseline and decide how to move forward.

Is the Environment Agency talking to CRT regarding asset management to understand good practice? CRT has been consulted as has the wider business. Some years ago, an IWA report (Joseph’s Report) reviewed the benefit of boating to Government and the broader impact on income. It revealed that the public visit rivers to see the boats. This needs to be recognised and matter more than income. It was confirmed that the Environment Agency is looking at the wider public benefit and is working with Defra policy colleagues to raise awareness of issues to Government. It was repeated by Members that a 5 year charge plan is a brave decision. The UK is not in a steady state, there is no idea of the level of future GIA funding, what inflation will look like and which Government will be in place. It was reconfirmed that the proposal to set charges over a 5 year period was to give customers more certainty. Cost increases will be monitored and Waterways will absorb increases where it can through efficiency and delivery approaches across the organisation. A mid- term review is planned to check charges remain appropriate and fair in line with Managing Public Money rules. If a material change is necessary it will be addressed through consultation. However, if the SRoC suggests that the charges need to be reviewed more regularly, this will be taken into account.

Members noted that there have been several offers of sponsorship of locks but none have been taken forward. Will decisions stay local or be part of national decisions? Advertising at locks will be part of the national review led by Alice Maine for a policy decision. Local sponsorship will be discussed with Waterways outside this meeting. 2

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Agenda item 03: Finance Update Q3 2018/19

The paper was taken as read. It was confirmed that in the current financial year Waterways is forecasting to overspend by £500k largely due to public safety works (legally obliged to complete) and staffing overspend.

It was confirmed that a short synopsis will be included in future finance reports to explain the anomaly of receipts in advance through the registration year commencing on 1 January and the Environment Agency financial year commencing on 1 April. The date of the registration year will be reviewed as part of SRoC.

Agenda item 04: Compliance Update Compliance Significant achievement in registration checks during the last 3 months of 2018 registration year (September to December) and statistics were handed out at the meeting. When registration notices are served this is for the full year (current) and not apportioned.

- 37 Operations, including 9 with enforcement partners (police, local councils) - 14 Marina boat registration compliance check operations (2314 vessels checked, 240 registration enforcement notices issued) - Class N (privately owned power boat) up by 40 boats in 2018 to 8328 compared with 8288 in 2017.

Flag Day patrol days continue with success: January: river wide patrol teams recorded the location of trees (likely to cause an obstruction to navigation) and boats wrecks. February: patrol teams dealt with ‘unmarked boats’. 10 patrol boat teams were deployed across the main river checking boats were correctly displaying registered names.

- 857 boats checked in total and 85 not displaying a name. - 85 advice and guidance notices issued to registered boats not displaying a name. - 38 ‘yellow’ notices issued to boats requiring the owners to provide information, within a timescale, regarding the ownership of those boats. This is similar to a police notice regarding a requirement to produce documents, and is used where either the ownership or registration of the boat is in doubt. Copies of the yellow notice were handed out at the meeting. - 19 registration offences dealt with during the course of the patrols.

The compliance team will continue to monitor compliance with all notices issued, with support from 2 new team members both of whom are ex Metropolitan Police (Marine). Flag Day patrols will revisit marinas in 2019 to 2020.

Waterways appreciate the offer from BMTV members to broker a meeting to meet with the trade instead of meeting the Yacht Harbours Association in April to discuss S60 and accommodations in marinas.

Members congratulated Waterways on the enforcement operations although a failure rate of 8.5% is disappointing. It was noted that at least one marina on the river has removed the need for boats to be registered as part of its mooring terms.

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Ongoing activity Current issues of high public interest and complex compliance/legal work which require a significant amount of resource cannot be discussed in any detail. Funeral arrangements Future significant national/international events will take place in Windsor. Full details cannot be discussed but this is another activity being worked on by the Compliance team with one officer off line for 6 months to lead for the whole Thames Area. The officer has been working with partners in planning for safe navigation on the Thames during this period.

Moorings Following the recent pilots and the monitoring of Waterways’ moorings, resource has been identified to produce and issue tender documents and progress to the next step. This was not possible until now as Waterways had to manage other priorities. Other work will slow to accommodate the work on a new contract. There is no timeline for this yet although the ambition is to have a new contract in place during this summer. In house self-management will be carried out in the interim.

Members do not believe the process will be viable and Waterways will lose money. Members were also concerned that self-management would not be possible. This is how Waterways managed 24hr moorings previously. Mooring signs were taken down and nothing has been put in their place – this is a risk. Waterways confirmed new signs will be put up shortly.

Members requested that a contact address be given to report overstaying boaters.

Action 1: NMS to provide contact address to report overstaying boaters.

Agenda item 05: Feedback from RUG Chairs RUG 1/2 (MD): 1) Compliance operations are still needed in the area to check unregistered boats and “traveller” type boats especially in Oxford.

2) Restricted navigation from overhanging trees. The Environment Agency does a good job in trimming the trees, but more pressure could be put on landowners. The problem trees between Buscot and Grafton, have now been dealt with by Waterways.

3) Restricted navigation by shoals. The dredging or re-contouring of sandbanks would be beneficial and also adequate buoy marking.

4) In a perfect world it would be excellent to have full manning of all beam locks especially at weekends. Some boaters need additional assistance and it would be helpful to have more volunteers in the upper reaches. Advertise locally.

5) Could Waterways make representations to the hire company based at Oxford Cruisers depot to properly instruct their hirers on the use of the boats with river and lock etiquette in mind?

6) There has been a rubbish clearance day but more needs to be done to keep the river and banks tidy. More notices for people to take their litter home especially those on party boats. What happens when traveller boats empty their effluent waste?

7) No comments will be made regarding the Flood Defence Scheme through Oxford as this is under the auspices of Oxford City Council and the Environment Agency.

8) Finally, it would be good policy to treat the upper reaches of the Thames in a similar way as the lower reaches and spread the operating cost more evenly. 4

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Members asked for an update on the boats at Oxford. Waterways has visited the area with CRT and have agreed with Network Rail that each will remove boats on their respective land and management of the reach will be handed to CRT. RUG 3 (AD): 1) Updates on the 2 current major planning applications which RUG 3 objected to: - gravel extraction alongside the Thames between Culham and Clifton. (Size is equivalent to about 150 football pitches.). Further information from the developer was submitted to Oxford City Council (OCC) in January including an updated Flood Modelling map. A decision may be made in March. - 320 berth marina downstream of Wallingford on the west bank. OCC have yet to make the final decision but South Oxfordshire District Council and Wallingford and Cholsey Parishes have both recommended refusal. At the earlier scoping exercise the Environment Agency offered suggestions for what it would like to see if the marina was to go ahead. Examples are:

 Facilities such as fuel, pump-outs and slipways to be available to visiting boats at an appropriate charge.  Approximately 10% of moorings to be available for short-stay visitors  All boats moored at the marina to be registered with the Environment Agency as a condition in their mooring agreement.

2) According to local newspapers, the £5 million scheme to reduce the risk of flooding has been abandoned over spiralling costs. The Environment Agency was one of 4 partners involved in the scheme. The plans centred on building a flood storage area at Abingdon Common. The rivers Ock, Stert and Sandford Brook as well as the Thames contribute to flooding. The Environment Agency commented that the costs associated to building increased exponentially once the design was received and the number of properties at risk that would benefit, reduced. The Environment Agency is working with partners to look at other methods of management. 3) Concerns raised again regarding the very slow filling of Culham lock when on self-service. Consultations with Peter Collins have resulted in a plan to adjust the software from a 4-stage filling to a 6-stage filling system. It is planned that the new arrangement will be in place for the start of the season. The tail gate leakage is an ongoing issue and needs rectification. A site meeting is planned after the adjustments have taken place. 4) On a lighter note. A black swan has taken up ‘residence’ at Benson upstream of the lock. A mate is required! RUG 4/5 (AW) 1) Navigation through the RUG 4/5 zone has been reduced this winter by the closure of Caversham Lock for essential maintenance. An inspection of the pound between Caversham and Mapledurham Locks was made by the Environment Agency, RUG and Reading BC representatives to identify impediments to navigation.

2) As elsewhere there are problems with irregular moorings, including one anonymous narrow boat moored against a ‘No Mooring’ sign immediately upstream of the Reading Rowing Club pontoon on 24 February, restricting visibility. 3) On the night of 16-17 February, 2 Honda outboard motors were stolen from Reading Rowing Club coaching launches. The attempt to steal an outboard motor from Reading Canoe Club failed. This follows a spate of similar incidents in the area that have been occurring recently.

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RUG 6 (BK): Nothing significant to report.

RUG 7 (CT): The next RUG7 meeting is 13th March. The issues raised at the last TNUF meeting remain and some actions are outstanding:

1) The M4 road bridge widening and possibility of river closures issues

2) Overhanging trees at Maidenhead, Monkey Island and Romney lock cut

3) Abandoned boat at Ruddles Pool

3) Illegal mooring above and below Boveney Lock

4) New Environment Agency mooring sites at Queens Ait, Ruddles Pool and by St Mary Magdalene’s Church at Boveney Lock and lack of mooring signs

5) Moored shed at Willows Riverside Park, Windsor

Items 2) to 5) will be discussed outside this meeting. Members wished to know the process for reclaiming monies from riparian owners should the Environment Agency carry out work for them. Notice to carry out work is served on the land owner. If the land owner does not act, the Environment Agency arranges for the work to be completed and invoices the land owner the full amount and sundry costs if applicable. The normal debt recovery procedure is followed if the invoice is not paid. RUG 8 (SC): 1) Reach 16 (Molesey Lock to Teddington Lock) Coordination Meeting SC chaired a well-attended Reach 16 Coordination meeting at Tamesis Club on 15 November 2018. Waterways Officer Vince Hoare attended. John Adams of Tamesis volunteered to take over as the Reach Coordinator to relieve SC of this duty. A constructive meeting at which we discussed safety issues and agreed the 2019 Calendar of Events

It is assumed that RUG 8 covers reaches 13, 14, 15, and 16, but the origins of this numbering system are lost in the mists of time. The reaches were confirmed.

2) Surrey Search and Rescue (SAR) Members at the Reach Coordination meeting were briefed on plans to have a rescue vessel and crew provided by SurreySAR on patrol on Kingston Reach over the Christmas Holiday period, including New Year’s Eve.

SC is grateful to Thames Ditton Marina for providing a free berth for the SurreySAR vessel. The river was quiet over Christmas, but the crew were first on the scene one evening when a distressed male was threatening to throw himself into the river.

The crew and their support vehicles on the bank were a reassuring presence on the river on New Year’s Eve. A number of boats rafted up under one of the arches of Kingston Bridge and had a party. Several unofficial and unsupervised firework parties took place on the bank.

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Tim Rowsell of SurreySAR and SC presented a report to the Kingston Council River Safety group on 10 January. Fire, Police, and RNLI were represented. Vince Hoare now represents the Environment Agency on this group.

3) Patrol Vessel on Kingston Reach The RNLI are confident that they can get through Teddington Lock in 4 minutes, so a rescue vessel is not needed on Kingston Reach. However, it would be incredibly valuable to have a patrol vessel on the water to act as ‘eyes on the river’ with a direct line to the London Coastguard to reduce call out delays.

SC is investigating the possibility of setting up a unit of the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) in Kingston. This would initially be under the supervision of MVS Putney and SC has a meeting with them on 27 February, taking representatives from Warspite and Ajax Sea Scouts too. SC has also arranged to meet the officer commanding West London Sea Scouts. TS Steadfast would be an ideal location for the new boat.

SC has a dream that we acquire one of the ex-police boats on the river, which now have names, like ‘Fair Cop’, ‘Jack Frost’ and ‘Pleace Boat’, and put it back on the river!

4) Permanent bases for SurreySAR and RNLI Flood Rescue Vessel The proposal for a water sports centre including a base for a SurreySAR vessel at Hurst Park was refused planning permission, so SurreySAR will be looking for an alternative base. The RNLI are also looking for a base on the river to locate one of their specialist flood response vessels and a trailer. These vessels are currently located in Poole, but they would prefer to have them located in the regions.

5) Squatting Boats on the Sunbury to Molesey Reach The recent BBC programme ‘Inside Out London’ had a 10 minute feature on squatting boats on the Sunbury to Molesey Reach. SC thought that this was a reasonably well-balanced piece of journalism. It presented squatters’ and local residents’ views. It also included contributions from:  A local historian who concluded that the failure to register the land was an oversight  A property lawyer who concluded that a compromise has to be reached

SC’s view is that, as RUG 8 Chair, there is nothing more he can do. It is up to the local resident groups to use the democratic process to address the issue via Dominic Raab MP and their local Elmbridge Borough councillors.

6) Abbey River The public right of navigation on the Abbey River remains blocked by a weir constructed by a selfish riparian landowner. KE and SC agree that this is an issue which must be addressed and solved by the Waterways department, not Flood Risk and Coastal Management (FCRM). It was confirmed that FCRM do not consider the obstruction to be a flood risk. However Fisheries and Waterways wish it to be removed. Operations will speak with the land owner to notify him of timescales to remove the obstruction. If it is not removed Operations will remove the structure and recharge the land owner.

Members wished to know what will happen to the boats d/s of Molesey Lock when the lock re-opens. Action will be taken where appropriate. The Molesey Lock gates are ready to go back in but there are some concerns on the bracketing which may lead to a revision of the opening date by a few days. This will be confirmed by 27 7

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February. Members raised concerns that there are a number of boaters who have boat lifts booked at local marinas who will be affected by any delay to the re-opening of the lock. Update: Molesey Lock re-opened on 1 March 2019. Agenda item 06: Dry Weather The paper was taken as read. This is an awareness and information item and no action is currently planned for Waterways or boaters. Members were pleased they had been advised. Members asked what the priority order was for access to water between hydropower, navigation and abstractions. It was confirmed that Thames Water abstraction to maintain drinking water would be the number 1 priority. Members are aware that Thames Water can take other actions to aid their supply of water. Early planning and awareness is key. The aim of the Waterways’ drought plan and the management of water levels is to staunch locks and take other precautions so that a stable level remains. However the drinking supply is the priority and navigation may be restricted should levels drop and until reaches are replenished. Waterways will keep TNUF informed and give 2-3 weeks’ notice of any action to be taken. Any amount of intermittent rain will help levels. A question was asked if the monitoring station at Sumptermead Ait, just upstream of Datchet is still in use as if not there is space for a new mooring. Waterways will check.

Action 2: CM to check if the monitoring station at Sumptermead Ait, Datchet is working.

Agenda item 07: TNUF Sub Groups Communications and Signage Sub Group The Group has met and the review of pedestal signage is underway. There are 3 major types of locks: 1. Beam locks above Oxford and also at Blakes Lock, 2. Godstow to Boveney are serviced by Halcyon Solutions software (apart from Boulters and Hambleden which are Selby and another at Cookham). 3. Romney to Teddington serviced by Selby. Types 2 and 3 are being upgraded. Revised lock pedestal signage will be rolled out during this season. The Group is mindful of locks where there are H&S risks e.g. Culham and Marlow which are deep. It was confirmed that the public power at Bell Weir and Romney Locks is expected to be repaired by the start of the season. Waterways engineers have found that better flexibility and methods are being achieved through working with users and lock and weir keepers. The Group membership is TR, DT and RW and is supported by Rebecca Pinney. The Group will benefit from additional members and TR will invite others to join the Group. The Terms of Reference needs reviewing. Action 3: PC to advise planned repair dates for Bell Weir and Romney Locks. Action 4: TR/DT to review the terms of reference for the Communications and Signage Sub Group

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Customer Charter Sub Group The final draft of the 2019 to 2020 Charter has been circulated to the Sub Group and the document will be sent to TNUF Members prior to publication on 1 April. The only change to lock service targets is the addition of Cookham Lock as a priority lock.

Agenda item 08: All Party Parliamentary Group Report

The paper was taken as read and Members were asked to support the 3 potential scenarios of the paper. It was suggested that scenario 3 be changed to refer to the transfer of the ‘navigation responsibilities’ of the Environment Agency Waterways. Waterways confirmed it will be pushing on the scope of change for legislation. The Paper has been circulated to 44 MPs from the source of the Thames to the estuary. TR is exploring the way forward and was pleased that the paper has been well received by TNUF. Agenda item 09: Trees and Shoals The paper was taken as read. The main issue of overhanging trees in the upper reaches, is dealing with the many riparian owners, mainly farmers. Farmers receive a subsidy for land and tree management and the process of how the subsidy is issued and for what purposes needs to be understood. Enquiries are being made of Defra and any help from Environment Agency officers will be appreciated, including information of farmers contact details. Discussions can also take place with the NFU for them to encourage farmers to act, take responsibility and use the subsidy in the proper manner. It is acknowledged that this will take time to reform. To support the process it is suggested RUG 1/2 is split due to the different requirements of each RUGs. RUG 1 to cover Lechlade to Kings and RUG 2 Kings/Godstow to Sandford. This should be discussed at the next RUG1/2 meeting and agreed through the RUG members and committee. Although the Environment Agency supports and has a working relationship with RUGs it does not have responsibility for them.

The width of the upper reaches navigation middle third is extremely narrow, and river users cannot pick their path of navigation to avoid trees, due to the depth of the river and the number of shoals. Insurance companies do not pay full claims on boats hitting shoals. They pay salvage but not all repairs making it difficult to budget costs. Many times claims are settled just below the write off value. In addition hire boats are not sent out if it is windy as the wind can move the boats into the trees which may lead to torn canopies. There are issues with cattle in the river and more land needs fencing. Also river banks are collapsing making the river shallower. However it is understood that spot dredging will not take place. One answer would be to increase the river level by 3 inches over the summer. Is this possible? Cotswold Boat Hire would like to work with volunteers say from the Cotswold Canal Trust to support the work the Cotswold Boat Hire carries out in its area. The Environment Agency acknowledges its ability to do work is limited and supports RUGs working with others. Internal discussions will be had to see what support Waterways and the wider business can give. Members acknowledged the sincerity of the proposals in the paper and the will to work with others. However the main issues come back to overhanging trees and the Environment Agency not taking action with riparian owners. It is realised that the Environment Agency has a process in place to 9

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carry out the works and recharge. This process takes resource and money and recharges may not be forthcoming. Members pointed out the many of those affected are local businesses with employees who are providing services. The Environment Agency should continue to support self-help approach. Action 5: CM to take legal advice on increasing river levels during the summer. Action 6: CM will establish what support Waterways and the wider business can give to help with the farmers’ subsidy process. Agenda item 10: Thames Operational Update Lock investment and asset maintenance programme Hambleden Lock Members noted that the proposed works to Hambleden Lock tail layby improvements have been deferred to the Winter 2019/20 programme. There is concern with the state of the rubbing strip running along the top of the rubbing timbers. Pieces are missing or protruding and an emergency repair is required now to avoid boat punctures. The point made was noted. The works at Hambleden were postponed so that savings can be made through bulk repairs next winter. Operations have been saving hardwood to use for emergencies.

Culham tail layby and Lock Are the road repairs complete? Tree work is still to be carried out and some dive contractor work. An interim solution is to back fill the erosion with bagging. Fitters have investigated the lock operation and have repaired the fault to the best of their ability. Molesey Lock Works may be delayed by a couple of days as decay has affected the metal work more than expected. This could not be seen until the gates were lifted. Members are concerned that boaters are waiting to use marinas, boat lifts etc. and the delay must be minimal. It was confirmed that the in house workforce is working continually to complete the project as soon as possible. Update: Molesey Lock opened on 1 March.

Lock side cameras How are images monitored? Some cameras are locally monitored and some accessed remotely. Work is in progress as to the final process. Remote access will prove very useful to duty officers and is an efficient and sustainable method of viewing sites without physically attending. Images are stored on a hard drive.

Sunbury dry dock Members agreed that the continuing closure of the dry dock was not acceptable. Apologies for the delay in reopening were given. The works being carried out by the in house workforce are interlinked with other projects and must comply to Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. There is restricted space at Sunbury Depot, and repairs to the dry dock gates cannot be carried out until Molesey Lock gates have left the yard. Update: The dry dock gates have now been lifted. They are being stripped to enable further inspection to identify the full extent of required works.

Staffing and recruitment Waterways was congratulated on filling key vacancies including the new residencies thereby ensuring a lock keeper at each lock site. The lock and weir keepers taking up residence of the properties previously rented to a third party will be taken from the existing lock and weir keeper 10

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community. It is hoped the new rota, which will take time to bed in, will support the ambition for every lock to be singled manned during the peak season. Also, it is intended that other operational staff will support volunteers on site to cover gaps. This method of working will be trialled for the forthcoming season and although Members may see fewer patrols on the river there will be more compliance at lock sites.

Although the general decision may be advised, Members were asked not to discuss further the appointment of resident lock keepers to those sites currently without a resident, until the appointments are formally announced. This is out of consideration for staff and will allow Waterways to complete the competitive process. Waterways is recruiting now for new volunteers across the river. Agenda item 11: Agree minutes and review actions from meeting 16 October 2019 The minutes of the last meeting were agreed. With regard to outstanding actions (see action plan circulated with minutes):

- ALL: Those organisations that have not already done so to update VSa on membership numbers. SC advised RUG 8 has 294 active members. Rug 7 has clubs and societies who send representatives to meetings and these representatives have not been included. - NMS to ask a technical officer to check the Staines mooring sign - CM to ask local team to establish the line of the structure at Windsor boatyard. Agenda item 12: Terms of Reference Waterways will pull together a small group of staff, Members and a representative from the national team, to produce a revised TNUF Terms of Reference for consideration by Members. Action 7: VSa to establish group to review the TNUF Terms of Reference. Agenda item 13: Any Other Business. VSa: request for members to email the TNUF account rather than a personal Waterways staff email account so that Members’ emails are not lost in the number of other emails received by Waterways staff. This will ensure Members’ communications are better monitored. Also the TNUF email account is monitored during VSa absence. [email protected] ML: wanted to highlight the safety concern he has with British Rowing members not observing Waterways advice on navigating during red/yellow boards. The point was noted and concerns should be reiterated through rowing clubs. Rowers need to take responsibility for their actions and coaching/teaching clubs to consider their learners. The question was asked if insurance is affected when there is an incident and rowers have not heeded the stream advice? Some insurance companies will insure and pay out if the rower confirms a dynamic risk assessment was completed. KE: wished to remind Members that the revision of the Environment Agency/CRT Boaters Handbook has added safety and handling advice for unpowered craft. Final note It is expected that the next meeting will be held on 29 October 2019, 10.30am to 3.30pm, Rooms G1/G2 Kings Meadow House, Reading. Confirmation will be given nearer the time.

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