03:44PM, Thursday 04 May 2023
A call has been made for public access to be reopened over a weir which is described as one of the ‘gems of Cookham’.
The Environment Agency (EA) closed the crossing over Odney Weir after two men died swimming in the water near the Cookham beauty spot in June 2020.
The path leads across to green open space owned by the Environment Agency, named Sashes Island.
The Cookham Society is now campaigning for public access to be reinstated so people can enjoy the surroundings.
Society member Dick Scarff said: “Sashes Island is absolutely beautiful because you’re away from any traffic, any people, you’ve got the woodlands from Cliveden going up on the other side. It is one of the gems of Cookham.”
Dick told the Advertiser public access over Odney Weir was originally closed while the Environment Agency carried out an investigation into the tragic swimming deaths.
But villagers have since been left frustrated by a lack of updates from the EA.
Dick said: “There have been a series of other explanations given like they were doing work on the lock and they didn’t want the public down there while construction was work going on.
“During the pandemic they also said they didn’t want people getting too close to the lockkeeper.
“Now COVID is over and they haven’t reopened it.”
The Cookham Society has also criticised the proposed installation of towering fencing around Odney Weir which it says is spoiling the picturesque views.
It says the Environment Agency has a duty to allow freedom of access over Odney Weir unless there is a significant danger to public health and safety.
Peter Collins, Environment Agency Operations Manager, said: “We want to ensure all of our customers are safeguarded from risks close to our assets so our local team is developing a project to implement new safety control measures at Odney Weir.
“There is no legal right of access across Odney Weir, however, once the new control measures are in place, we will review whether pedestrian access can be re-established.”
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