Work by the Environment Agency, which started over a year ago, to repair the main lock at Teddington has stopped.

 However, repairs to the unreliable secondary lock are ongoing, but there is no permanent fix date in sight.

 These faults mean delays for those using the river for business or pleasure, as well as emergency services such as the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).

 Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Teddington RNLI said: "The issues with the locks at Teddington can mean that we lose vital minutes when reaching those who have got into trouble on the river upstream from Teddington Lock towards Kingston, our busiest area.

"We are hopeful that the work of the Environment Agency will resolve the current difficulties soon."

Green Party councillor, Chas Warlow has raised the issue with Leader of Richmond Council Gareth Roberts, who replied that the matter is for the Environment Agency to resolve.

Cllr Roberts added in his response that 'We will keep trying', says Cllr Warlow.

Cllr Warlow said: "River users and the general public need to know that emergency services can respond effectively and efficiently.

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"The situation is surely unacceptable – government ministers need to step in to find a solution to this problem."