Shiplake Lock, between Shiplake and Lower Shiplake on the edge of Oxfordshire, was abruptly put out of action when a barge crashed in to the lock gate on Tuesday, April 7.

One witness to the scene said it “looks like there’s significant damage” caused by the impact.

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The Environment Agency confirmed on Wednesday that Shiplake Lock is closed to all boaters for the foreseeable future while damage is assessed and repairs carried out.

A boat on a canal, file photo (Image: Tony Steele)

A spokesperson for the agency said: “On Tuesday afternoon a vessel struck the lock gate at Shiplake Lock, causing significant damage to the structure. As a result, the lock is currently closed to all river traffic.

“Our contractors attended the site today and are assessing the damage and developing a repair plan.

“Until this work is completed and we have a clearer understanding of the work required, we are unable to provide an estimate for when the lock will reopen.

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“Shiplake Lock, and the navigation through it, will therefore remain closed to all boaters until further notice.

“Notices have been displayed at our neighbouring lock sites and information has been updated on the GOV.uk website  to keep river users informed.”

Shiplake Lock is positioned just above the point where the River Loddon joins the River Thames and where Shiplake Railway Bridge crosses the river.

The application for four Gypsy and Traveller pitches on land at Wattle Cottage Farm by The George at Upton pub on Prospect Road in Upton, near Didcot, has been refused by the Vale of White Horse District Council.

Each pitch would comprise one mobile home and one touring caravan, together with space for parking and manoeuvring, as well as two shipping containers for storage relating to keeping horses.

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It relates to an enforcement investigation launched in June 2024, following the erection of four unauthorised chalet buildings for residential use on the same site.

The land backs on to The George at Upton pub (Image: Google)

The applicant claimed that the chalet buildings are the same as the four mobile homes proposed in the application due to their size, and said they could be moved to specified locations if and when planning permission was granted.

But the council’s planning officers found the structures built on the land were vastly different to mobile homes, as they were constructed on purpose built concrete and brick foundations with in-laid services and are permanent timber structures including verandas, decking and covered porches.

The farmland and equestrian site in Upton has a long planning history related to different uses of the land dating back to 2002.

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Objections were received on the latest application from Upton and Chiltern Parish Councils, and specialist officers for ecology, drainage and landscape.

The Environment Agency objected in principal to the development as the site is in flood zone 3b, a functional floodplain, defined as having a high probability of flooding.

Along with the Joint Oxfordshire Resilience Team and the council’s emergency planner, the agency’s objection said the site is too vulnerable to flooding to make it safe for residential use.

A further 52 objections were received from the public during consultation, quoting a range of issues taken with the plan.

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Concerns included that this new plan was ‘not materially different’ for the similar application refused permission last September, as well as the impact of the proposed use of the site on the ‘character and amenity of the village’.

The council’s planning officer said: “In my opinion, the lack of a five-year supply of gypsy and traveller sites, to which I give significant weight, together with the personal circumstances of the applicant and his family, to which I also attached significant weight, do not outweigh the planning harm of the proposed development.”

The application was refused on the grounds of the harm it would cause to the North Wessex Downs natural landscape and because of flood risk, highway safety, loss of biodiversity, the value of the countryside and the intentional, unauthorised nature of the development.

The price of Brent crude dropped by more than 14% after the deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz eased fears over disrupted global supplies.

However, while wholesale costs react almost instantly to geopolitical developments, petrol and diesel prices typically take longer to adjust.

Why prices do not fall straight away

Fuel prices in the UK are influenced by several factors beyond crude oil, including refining costs, distribution, retailer pricing strategies and currency movements.

Retailers also tend to pass on price increases more quickly than decreases – meaning drivers often feel rises within days, but must wait longer for cuts.

How long could it take?

Industry analysts say it can take between one and four weeks for lower oil prices to feed through to forecourts.

That delay reflects the time it takes for existing, more expensive fuel stock to be sold before cheaper wholesale purchases are reflected in pump prices.

If oil prices remain lower over the coming weeks, gradual reductions in petrol and diesel costs are expected – rather than a sudden drop.

Why prices may not fall much

Despite the recent decline, oil prices remain significantly higher than before the conflict began, when Brent crude was closer to 70 dollars a barrel.

This means any reductions in fuel prices may be limited unless oil continues to fall or stabilises at lower levels.

The strength of the pound against the dollar – the currency oil is traded in – will also play a role in how much UK motorists benefit.

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What to watch next

The key factor will be whether the ceasefire holds and supply routes remain open.

Any renewed disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could quickly push oil prices higher again, reversing recent falls.

For now, the drop in oil offers the potential for cheaper fuel – but for drivers, the impact is likely to be gradual and uncertain rather than immediate.