4-May-2006 - The Environment
Agency is installing a series of new booms as
part of essential health and safety improvement
works for boaters on the River Medway inland navigation
in Kent.
As well as new grab chains being
fitted on the lock walls as an additional safety
measure, the new booms will improve the safety
of boaters and protect structures along the river.
The new booms are brighter and
easier to see in all weather conditions and will
act as a navigation aid for boaters. They will
also help river users to avoid taking a wrong
turn over the weirs and will float to make them
effective at all water levels.
The booms from Allington Lock
to Anchor Sluice are designed to hold a weight
up to 10 tonnes and above Anchor Sluice they will
hold a weight of five tonnes. These essential
works are due to finish in June 2006.
John Morgan, Environment Agency
Waterways Manager, said: "We are trying to
improve safety without restricting people’s enjoyment
from using the river. These booms and grab chains
are part of a programme of safety works on the
navigation. If a boat crashes into and damages
the sluices, it is not only dangerous for those
on board but could result in closure of the navigation
or increased risk of flooding."
The Environment Agency is the
Navigation Authority for the 31kms of inland navigation
on the River Medway between Maidstone and Tonbridge.
We also have a general recreation duty to promote
and facilitate recreation, and enjoyment of water
both inland and on the coast.
To learn more about the River
Medway visit the Environment Agency River Medway
dedicated web pages at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rivermedway.
