Last Friday, I visited Molesey lock. It serves a dual role, as an active waterway and a part of the wider system of flood management in the area. I toured the lock and was briefed by Andrew Pearce, Regional Manager and Matt Carter, Waterways Manager, Steve Bowlam, Molesey lock-keeper, and local volunteer, John Graham.

With increasingly varied weather conditions and the risk of local flooding, the lock serves a vital role. The team will also soon be sharing premises with local police officers, which will help make the location even more of a community hub.