In answer to S Terry’s letter ‘Gone to The Dogs’ (Journal, May 9).

The weir at Evesham has got quite a bit of debris on it, mainly natural stuff, heavy logs and even whole trees which means it’s beyond clearing by hand.

It has now become necessary to clear it with machines. You can imagine the cost of water- borne heavy plant. Normally the cost would be down to the Environmental Agency, but Evesham weir is one of many on the river Avon which has suffered from the numerous flooding over the last winter.

The EA needs to prioritise all the many jobs it has to do with public funding.

The Avon Navigation Trust looks after the navigation from above Tewkesbury up to and beyond Stratford on limited resources.

Both the Avon Navigation Trust and the Environment Agency work closely together to maintain and improve the river Avon. As for Evesham lock, it is a working lock looked after by Christopher and Joan Murfin who spend many hours maintaining the lock and the three lock islands.

This is mainly a labour of love.

Evesham lock is not untidy. Christopher and Joan try to keep it as a natural area, encouraging all types of birds and wildlife.

Evesham lock and the river Avon is an asset to Evesham. If S Terry would be like to visit Evesham lock then Christopher and Joan would be happy to show you around.

Christopher and Joan Murfin

Evesham lock wardens