River Thames’ users are invited to vote for the best kept lock as the Environment Agency launches its annual waterways awards.

Voting has opened for the ‘Best Lock Site’ award. River users and other members of the public who visit the rural River Thames between Lechlade and Teddington are being asked to vote.

The Thames Waterways Award rewards the hard work of waterways staff along the River Thames and encourages good customer relations. Matt Carter, Waterways Operations Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “ A variety of people contribute to the overall customer experience – permanent staff, seasonal staff and volunteers. The awards provide a chance for members of the public to let us know how we are doing on the River Thames, so we can reward these people for their great teamwork.”

Votes can be cast online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/bestthameslock from now until Sunday 31 October and winners will be announced in December. When voting for the Best Lock Site, river users are asked to rate the level of service received at the lock and consider the locks' gardens, general maintenance, cleanliness and availability of information. Everyone who casts a vote this year will be entered into a prize draw with the opportunity to win a 20 per cent discount on next year's River Thames boating licence. The 2012 waterways awards are kindly sponsored by Peter Brett Associates LLP.