Vote for the best River Thames lock

22-Jul-2011

River Thames’ users are invited to vote for the best kept lock as the Environment Agency launches its annual waterways awards this week.

Voting opens today (Friday 22 July 2011) for the ‘Best Lock Site’ award. River users and other members of the public who visit the rural River Thames between Lechlade and Teddington are being asked to vote.

The Thames Waterways Award rewards the hard work of waterways staff along the River Thames and encourages good customer relations.

Matt Carter, Waterways Operations Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “ A variety of people contribute to the overall customer experience - permanent staff, seasonal staff and for the first time this year - volunteers. The awards provide a chance for members of the public to let us know how we are doing on the River Thames, so we can reward these people for their great teamwork.”

Votes can be cast online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/bestthameslock from now until Sunday 31 October and winners will be announced in December.

When voting for the Best Lock Site, river users are asked to rate the level of service received at the lock and consider the locks' gardens, general maintenance, cleanliness and availability of information.

Everyone who casts a vote this year will be entered into a prize draw with the opportunity to win a 20 per cent discount on next year's River Thames boating licence.

The 2011 waterways awards are kindly sponsored by Atkins Ltd. and Peter Brett Associates LLP.

Vote here

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/bestthameslock

They all count

aAARRGGHH MEE FELLOW LANDLUBBERS, ITS GOT TO BE CRABS ISLAND or its the flogging und a walking the fishing platform, for yee, when they are built, Aaarrggh, fair winds und tight ropes yee Doggs

Do we know who won, Colin ?

I've no idea, definitely not me! Anyway I'm PLA and this was an EA poll? Over to Jeff......

upon walking the thames and taking pics (in gallery) i went to teddy lock and asked the keeper can i go onto the other side and take some pics ... after him asking if i was t.a.c he let me ... he was a really nice bloke so my vote goes to teddington lock !!! just voted on site

I think the voting had closed so hence me asking about the winner.

Colin of course PLA fella

Shepperton Lock scoops top place in River Thames awards

24-Feb-2012

Shepperton Lock has scooped top place for the ‘Best Lock’ on the River Thames, after hundreds of people voted in the Environment Agency’s 2011 Thames Waterways Awards.

Steve Newman, lock keeper at Shepperton Lock, said
“A big thank you for all of my customers that have voted for Shepperton Lock this year. It’s a lot of hard work for myself and the team but its always worth it just for the lovely remarks we receive.
“The Thames has always had a good reputation for its lovely gardens and this competition can only enhance its reputation for being the best manned waterway in the world. Long may it continue!”

Although Shepperton Lock was a clear winner amongst the public, other locks were awarded commendations due to a high level of positive feedback from many people. Locks that were given these special commendations were Pinkhill, Romney, Osney and Marsh which were all singled out by river users.

Votes were entered into prize draw and randomly chosen. Winner Alan Pannett, from Eastbourne was delighted to win a 20 per cent discount off his 2012 River Thames boat licence.

Boating enthusiast, Alan Pannett said: “I really enjoy boating on the Thames and have my boat moored at Shepperton Marina. The Shepperton lock keeper and his assistants are always great.”

Waterways Manager, Matt Carter said: “These awards give members of the public a chance to let us know how we are doing on the River Thames. They are a great opportunity to recognise the important work the Thames waterways staff do in helping to promote the River Thames as a great destination. We received some excellent feedback and comments about our locks and waterways staff”.
The award winners will be presented with vouchers and a plaque to mark their success.

The awards, kindly sponsored by Atkins and Peter Brett, invited members of the public to vote throughout the 2011 boating season.
“We are proud to have sponsored this prestigious awards scheme. Congratulations to all the lock staff along the river who make the Thames the special place that it is." said Steve Capel-Davies, of Peter Brett.

Keith Collett wrote:

aAARRGGHH MEE FELLOW LANDLUBBERS, ITS GOT TO BE CRABS ISLAND or its the flogging und a walking the fishing platform, for yee, when they are built, Aaarrggh, fair winds und tight ropes yee Doggs

Wass 'appened to KK?, he 'asn't posted fer munfs