River Thames weir and lock keepers are voting on strike action that could affect locks in Teddington, Walton and Staines.

GMB Union staff are in dispute with the Environment Agency over falling numbers of trained staff.

The union say fluctuating river levels and longer response times to weirs has resulted in property flooding and boat damages.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “The lock and weir keeper role is an important aid in maintaining the non-tidal Thames and allowing the public to enjoy our waterways. Their safety, and the safety of river users, is a top priority.

 “We are committed to continuing to work with them and unions to update our ways of working so we can deliver more for our customers and river users, and avoid industrial action, while ensuring the wellbeing of staff.

“To be clear, we have not proposed any cuts to jobs or services – and we will provide further detail on our approach to modernising navigation on the Thames in due course.”