After three years of frustrating inaction by the EA the deadlock was finally broken when the Cookham Society contacted our MP, Theresa May, for help. Within a few weeks an onsite meeting was arranged at the weir attended by senior EA staff and representatives of the Cookham Society and the Parish Council.

Despite the rain, face to face discussions proved more constructive than the endless emails and letters. To our dismay, the EA put forward further reasons for the delay in opening including over winter tree work, safety analysis for the lock keeper and legal work. However, they were prepared to consider partial opening times which they will advise after another meeting which is scheduled for early October.

The Cookham Society feels that the mention of even partial opening is a success at this stage and hope it will lead to full access in the foreseeable future if there are no further problems.