Funding Secured to Move Forward with Marsh Lock Renovation

The MP for Henley and Thame has welcomed news that the Environment Agency has secured funding to develop plans for the renovation of Marsh Lock — a much-loved and vital crossing along the Thames Path between Henley-on-Thames and Shiplake. 

The lock has been closed since May 2022, forcing walkers and residents to take a lengthy detour crossing the busy A4155. Securing a long-term solution has been a key commitment for the MP, who is pleased that both the Environment Agency and government ministers have listened to local concerns and taken action. 

Speaking after a visit to the site, Freddie said: “It was great to get out onto the river with the Environment Agency to view the state of the bridge from the water. Following the campaign of local residents that I’ve been supporting, the Environment Agency confirmed to me that a £0.5m funding pot has been identified to make progress” “The funding is not enough to fully renovate the bridge, but will allow the first step to be taken, which is bringing forward a detailed design. This work will take 6-12 months to complete.” 

“This is really welcome news and I’m pleased that the Area Director, and her team have recognised the importance of this bridge to the community here and more widely.” 

He added, “I will of course continue to hold the EA’s feet to the fire on this, and work constructively with all relevant stakeholders and interested parties” 

Freddie also paid tribute to the residents and campaigners who have helped keep the issue in the spotlight: “I want to thank people like nine-year-old Claudia Fennell of Wargrave Road, everyone who supported her petition, and all the residents who’ve written to me about this. Your voices have made a real difference — and this shows that, together, we can campaign for meaningful change.” “The campaign continues and later this month Claudia and I will be presenting her petition to Downing Street and the Speaker of the House in the Commons.”