Marsh Lock Bridge

Here is the recent update from our MP on the closed Marsh Lock Bridge.

Dear Mr. Gallen,

As you know over the summer, I met with National Trails to discuss the closure of the bridge at Marsh Lock in Henley and the importance of the Thames Path.
 
I subsequently wrote to the Environment Agency expressing my concerns at the lack of progress since its closure and conveying the frustration of residents at the totally unsuitable diversion of the path.
 
I was not satisfied with the response I received and therefore requested meetings with both the EA and the Minister for Water, Emma Hardy MP. Having now had those meetings, I am happy to share with you an update, as I know this is an issue of concern to you.
 
The Environment Agency have made it clear to me that whilst they understand the importance of the bridge, when making decisions about infrastructure spending, they prioritise ‘river level management’ (weirs) and ‘navigation’ (locks). Since many of the assets controlled by the EA were constructed at the same time, they are also coming to the end of their lifespan at the same time. In our area, the EA have recently refurbished the lock at Hambledon and is working on repairing the Benson weir.  
 
With this information, I asked the EA if bridges, being third order priorities, will ever be fixed given the financial constraints of the agency. The bitter truth is that after more than a decade of deep cuts the EA does not have the funding in the foreseeable future to repair bridges. I was reassured that the status of the Marsh Lock bridge as being on the Thames Path National Trail does afford it the position of being, at least, on the EA’s middle term investment plan, but currently has no budget against it.
 
I took this information to the Minister for Water, to suggest that it was unacceptable that essential, nationally significant infrastructure is not adequately funded via the EA. Whilst the Minister did not commit to finding the funding there and then, she did commit to continue to work closely with me to find a solution.
 
I recognise that after 2 and half years of closure, this will not be welcome news. However, I am not disheartened and will continue to work on this issue to find the funding needed and bang the drum for Henley and Shiplake wherever possible. This will proceed with reaching out to further local stakeholders, raising the profile of the plight of the EA in Westminster and its importance as part of the government’s spending review.
 
Please be reassured that my actions so far are just the start and that I will fight for as long as necessary to reopen the Thames National Path along its proper route.

Yours Sincerely,

Freddie
 

Posted by: Ian Gallen | 08/11/2024 10:57 am

Interestingly, I see from an email from Harleyford Marina today that the EA had informed them that "the necessary repair work to Temple Footbridge will commence imminently and likely finish around March 2025" Perhaps the EA could tell us why it can find the time and money to repair Temple Footbridge and not the Marsh Lock Horse Bridge.

Posted by: Nicholas Blandy | 20/11/2024 12:50 pm

Well done for following this through Ian. I heard there is a lobbying group in Henley also promoting repair of the bridge. I wonder if it would strengthen our case if we linked up with them? Regards, Will

Posted by: will stevens | 08/11/2024 7:16 pm