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PLANS to sell or rent lockkeeper's cottages have been strongly criticised by UNISON.

The UK's largest public services union have condemned the proposals which are part of an efficiency review by the Environment Agency.

On the list for the axe are Marlow, which will be sold and Cookham, which will be rented.

Jeanette Roe, UNISON Regional Officer, said: "Throwing families out of their homes is a disgrace. Our members are rightly very angry.

"Not only is the Agency planning to cut jobs but workers will be made to leave their family homes - all in the name of so called efficiency savings.

"Our members do a vital job, ensuring the safety of the public who enjoy our waterways and the smooth flow of river traffic.

"In these times of climate change this role is becoming increasingly important."

"A lock keepers salary is only around £16,000 a year - not enough to pay a mortgage or rent property on the open market. The lock-house is an essential part of their salary package."

However, Eileen McKeever, Thames Waterways manager denied it would have such a drastic impact.

She said: "Speculation about jobs being lost as a result of these changes to the lockhouses is just not true, and I want to categorically state that we will not be making people redundant.

"There will still be lockkeepers on site during normal hours and we will still be providing a lock keeping service as we always have done.

"I also want to make it clear that we will not be making people homeless.

"We will ensure that all staff and their families have a suitable house to go to. We will continue to hold face to face meetings with staff to keep them informed."

10:53am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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