And no picnics on the strips they own on the top and bottom of the picture.

They have released a statement on it.

https://upperthamesenclosure.com/some-context-for-the-creation-of-the-upper-thames-enclosure/

In recent years bottlenecks caused by litter and the sheer volume of foot traffic on the towpath during HRR have made it dangerous at peak times, to the extent that people have ended up in the river and tempers have frayed. In hot weather people have passed out and the delays, which can last for up to two hours, have made the towpath unpleasant.
The emergency services have become increasingly concerned by congestion caused by picnickers sitting on the towpath, effectively blocking the route, and by excessive drunkenness in unmonitored areas; also, the potential use of glass bottles being used as missiles cannot be taken lightly.
It is in this context of genuine concern that UTRC are trialling a new, wider pedestrian pathway across its land that will re-route pedestrians twenty metres back from the river along a hundred metre stretch and back onto the towpath before Old Blades.
 No one is being directed onto Remenham Lane.
UTRC incur costs in excess of £30,000 as a result of Health and Safety provision that has to be provided during HRR regardless, including footpath lighting, lifeguards, safety boats, First Aid, security and marshalling. These costs are compulsory. The police and EA are supportive of anything that improves safety and makes their job easier. We all want the safest possible regatta and daily meetings take place during HRR between licensees and statutory bodies to ensure the event run smoothly.
Towpath 4 runs from Henley Bridge to Old Blades. Bye-laws created in the 1950s allow for pedestrians to be re-routed along Towpath 4, which is the basis for the enclosures further upstream.
UTRC continues to contribute to the safety of spectators along the Berkshire bank. We take our responsibility seriously in conjunction with the police, EA, emergency services and licensees at HRR and look forward to a safe and enjoyable event in 2017. ENDS

I suppose it's fair enough for the weekend but is it really necessary for Weds-Fri?

It also annoys me that I've put in for my tickets without any sign of when they're going to be released. I expect they've swamped themselves with far more requests than they can handle.

Last edited by chainyanker (6/27/2017 3:34 am)

Isn't part of the reason for the path congestion because UTRC have previously squeezed the path space down to the absolute minimum by having a temporary fence right up against the tarmac path?

Sculler wrote:

Isn't it free to get a badge?

So they say but I applied days ago and I've heard nothing. And I doubt they'll get back to me for tomorrow.

Outraged of Hammersmith wrote:

And no picnics on the strips they own on the top and bottom of the picture.

Wrong!