Huzzah! The river bobbies are coming back. Earlier this year, I bemoaned the loss of the very excellent PC Jim Halstead who was a regular sight aboard the launch he shared with Environment Agency officers whilst patrolling our bit of the Thames.
Rules and regulations
Kraken idea, hope it works
As regular readers of this column will know, I deplored the decision by Surrey Police to remove the only officer dedicated to patrolling our stretch of the Thames back in August.
Fish stock depletion concern
I’m still receiving feedback following my columns about apparent problems with eastern European fishermen taking too many fish from the river – including an acknowledgement from the Environment Agency that this really is an issue.
Fire and water don’t mix
Generally speaking, boating is a very relaxing and enjoyable pastime – in my opinion you just can’t beat pottering along the river on a beautiful day enjoying the tranquility and watching the wildlife.
Readers report illegal fishing
Several readers have been in touch following last week’s column about illegal fishing on our stretch of the Thames – and the one thing that most of you have told me is that it appears to be people of eastern European origin who are ignoring the rules.
Report those rogue anglers
The one thing that the majority of people who use the river for recreation have in common is a sense of responsibility – a desire to preserve the Thames and to safeguard its beauty for future generations.
So, why should we cop it?
I really hate bean counters. Those faceless accountants who sit in the background out of the firing line in so many organisations and who, with a stroke of a pen, decide that services must be cut to balance the books without any real thought about how the decision could impact on people’s lives.
How we miss those floating cops
Increase in river crime illustrates the need for dedicated patrols