Upper tidal Thames public meeting goes online

An online meeting to discuss all the latest news on the upper tidal Thames, including the impact of COVID-19 and the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, will be hosted by the Port of London Authority (PLA) on Thursday 11 February 2021 (5 -6 pm).

The PLA’s Environment team will report back on work towards achieving Net Zero carbon reduction targets and other green initiatives, including the recently-launched Cleaning The Thames website, which enables members of the public to log litter they retrieve from the foreshore.

Among the other items on the agenda are a review of recent work by the PLA’s new upper river maintenance team, led by Bernard Watson, to repair river wall ‘revetments’ at Mortlake and Chiswick.

There will also be a look at the increasing use of barges for delivering freight within London, including the on-going arrival of parts for the roof of the new riverside stand at Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage.

Participants will also be able to hear about progress with the Harbour Revision Order, submitted to the Marine Management Organisation last year, seeking to update the PLA’s legislative powers.

A presentation led by Robin Mortimer, the PLA’s CEO, will be followed by a question and answer session, giving members of the public a chance to raise matters of interest. Questions should be submitted in advance.

Robin Mortimer said: “The continuing COVID-19 lockdown regrettably prevents from holding a face-to-face meeting this year, but there is still lots on news about the river to share, so we hope there will be a good online attendance

“We’re always keen to hear the views of the river community, so it’s a good opportunity for all those connected with the upper tidal Thames to directly relay their comments and ideas to us.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the meeting must pre-register in advance.

Similar meetings for the middle and lower reaches of the tidal River Thames are due to follow later in the year.