Canoe hire trailer welcomed

A CANOE hire firm seeking a base in Mill Meadows in Henley has won the support of councillors.

Henley Canoe Hire wants to position a mobile exhibition trailer near the River and Rowing Museum throughout April, July and August and at weekends in March, May, June and September.

Members of the town council’s recreation and amenities committee had said they were concerned about the “commercialisation” of the riverside beauty spot.

But last week members of the parks sub-committee said they didn’t want the firm’s owner Matthew Couling to go elsewhere.

Chairwoman Sam Evans said: “People can make their own recreational opportunities but it’s our responsibility to help them in their enjoyment, I believe, of that area.



“My fear is that this may end up in Marlow and I don’t want it to go to Marlow — I want Henley residents to be able to enjoy this.

“In terms of the visual issues, this was one of the concerns of the recreation committee but he is very open and flexible and happy to hear our ideas about what kind of structure he could have down there. We talked about it being the same green as the bins.”

Councillor Kellie Hinton said she would be “really sad” if the firm left Henley, adding: “I think we should give them an opportunity.”

Councillor Sarah Miller said she was concerned about encouraging other businesses, adding: “It’s going to get a bit busy and, dare I say, a bit tacky.”

The sub-committee agreed to ask Mr Couling to return to the next recreation committee meeting with a number of options for how the trailer would look and recommended that he is given a one-year trial run.