Keep our lock keeper

Terrible way to treat a gentleman who has always been professional, supportive and happy to go out of his way to help out the community he supports.

Tim has been a friend and neighbour for a number of years. Having lived in the area since the 1980s and knowing it well, I can honestly say he is an excellent lock keeper, highly knowledgeable, responsible and 100% dedicated to his job. He is incredibly approachable always helping others in a friendly 'nothing is too much trouble' manner, welcoming those new and sometimes nervous to the river community and certainly increasing safety because of this. He is an absolute true old fashioned gentleman (in the truest sense) so I am shocked at the EA's decision. I trust the case will be reviewed. As a business woman an organisation is only as good as it's people and everything should be done to retain the best talent which Tim is.

I have known Tim for around 20 years and he has always been a pillar of society, utterly trustworthy and loyal to his famly and friends. Think this decision should be reversed without hesitation.

We have experienced Tim as the most helpful and professional, 'safe pair of hands' in our first three years of being rookie boat owners.. I am shocked at the extremely heavy handed decision and sincerely hope the authorities will reconsider their action. There is a huge strength of feeling on the river that a well-liked, experienced man has been so unfairly treated by those who have meted this outcome upon him. It will be a huge loss to all of us to see him go.

I have liaised with Tim over several matters relating to the lock and the surrounding buildings and he never been anything other than professional, helpful and a gentleman

An excellent lock keeper and a pleasure to have worked with.

I have known Tim for many years always polite, friendly and helpful. Nothing was ever too much. He is always helping someone out even if it is out of his way. Continue being 'You' Tim.

When I heard about this I thought it was a joke - how can a lock keeper as knowledgeable and helpful and friendly who goes above and beyond and makes children's dreams come true by allowing them to unlock the locks, be treated in such an unfair and unjust way? The action being taken is unjust and fuelled by the need of an attention seeker, who is clearly out to destroy the life of a popular man.

Hi Victoria Any chance you can contact Tim and maybe give some advice ?

A big big cog in the smooth running of our river

Tim's contribution to the management of the lock is immeasurable. His dedication and commitment to his work is quite remarkable, he should be valued by The EA. Staff with his impeccable work ethic do not come around often.

Tim is one of the nicest human beings I have had the pleasure to meet, and this whole situation is just plain wrong, a hard worker, honest and genuine, would do anything for anyone, Tim benger has my support 100% the agency needs to look at all the good time has done for the lock, you need him!!! Good luck Tim mate

Extreamly courteous and kind person

Tim is salt of the earth.

I've stayed at the camping huts on the lock and I've seen Tim at work. He is an asset to the EA. I know his family well and he is a kind and decent man and I find it very hard to believe he would ever be unprofessional. Victoria Foster - solicitor

Save our lock keepers the river is becoming a great palace

I have been in contact with mr Benger on multiple occasions, he has always been very professional and polite, this coupled with his inordinate and intimate knowledge undoubtably makes him a true asset to the local community and in particular the Locke. This mans action speak volumes and his impeccable conduct both at the Locke and serving his country are proof of his professionalism.

Lock keeper has always been fantastic when our family and the kids have been canoeing from Allington lock. Very pleasant and respectable guy.

Such a polite, friendly man. Our children were thrilled on our visit to the river when he showed them how to operate the lock. So enthusiastic about his job.

A fabulous lock keeper and a gentleman.