FOR INFORMATION ON THE UPPER THAMES ENCLOSURE PLEASE SEE:

www.upperthamesenclosure.com

STATEMENT ON CONTEXT FOR ENCLOSURE

In recent years bottlenecks on the towpath during HRR have made the towpath dangerous at peak times, to the extent that people have ended up in the river and tempers have frayed. In hot weather people have passed out and the delays, which can last for up to two hours, have made the towpath unpleasant. The emergency services have become increasingly concerned by congestion caused by picnickers sitting on the towpath, effectively blocking the route.

It is in this context that UTRC are trialling a new, wider pedestrian pathway across its land that will re-route pedestrians twenty metres back from the river along a hundred metre stretch and back onto the towpath before Old Blades. No one is being directed onto Remenham Lane.

UTRC incur costs in excess of £30,000 as a result of Health and Safety provision that has to be provided during HRR regardless, including footpath lighting, lifeguards, safety boats, First Aid, security and marshalling. These costs are compulsory. The police and EA are supportive of anything that improves safety and makes their job easier. We all want the safest possible regatta and daily meetings take place during HRR between licensees and statutory bodies to ensure the event run smoothly.

Towpath 4 runs from Henley Bridge to Old Blades. Bye-laws created in the 1950s allow for pedestrians to be re-routed along Towpath 4, which is the basis for the enclosures further upstream.

UTRC continues to do its best to make HRR run as safely as possible for the greatest number of people and makes every effort to contribute to the success of the regatta. Here’s to a safe and enjoyable HRR.