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River Bank Repairs
(1 April 2009)
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With Thanks to Brilliant TV
Finally after years of
campaigning, the Royal Borough and Environment Agency are doing
something about the dreadful state of the towpath along Cliveden
Reach between Boulters Lock and the "beach" at the end of Mill
Lane.
There's a mile long
stretch where the towpath is so treacherous that someone falls in the
river almost every month. Tree roots poking through the path, huge
ruts in the track and collapsing banks give a general air of unkempt and
uncared for Thames Path.
This unique stretch of the
Thames Path boasts the only escarpment along England's longest river -
and the Cliveden Reach is recognised as the most stunning section of the
whole Thames.
Yet the state of the
towpath is such, that you take your life in your hands if you
attempt to use it. And if you have a push chair, or wheeelchair forget
it! It's a death trap.
This week two workmen were
spotted repairing some sections of collapsed riverbank. In nine places
along this popular towpath the bank is to be patched up and potholes
filled in with gravel and soil.
Sadly there are no plans
to remove obstructions (such as trees in the middle of the path) or
indeed level the whole path to make it pushchair and wheelchair
accessible.
Part of the Environment
Agency's responsibility is to maintain the towpath and access for
all is included in its charter.
Local resident Ted
Harris explained how his 11 year old daughter had fallen in the river
while attempting to use the path on her way to Holy Trinity School in
Cookham. "The road over Widbrook
is far too dangerous for walkers or cyclists, who have no alternative
but to use the towpath" he said.
"We complained to the
Council and finally they have got around to doing something" he
added "My daughter is now 43."
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