Thames River Boats currently operates cruises from April to October between Hampton Court, Richmond, Kew and Westminster. This scenic three-hour cruise worth £25 per adult is amazing in the spring, summer and autumn, however I believe the operational "season" should be extended to November or December to allow for Christmas themed cruises - with on board snacks such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and decorations such as wreaths, Christmas lights and Christmas music/carols.

As a die hard fan of Christmas and the festive season, it would make perfect sense for the company/operator to run cruises between April and November/December to allow for "festive" cruises between Hampton Court and Westminster in the run up to Christmas with passengers able to enjoy a ride on a cold winter's day watching the city come alive with festive music and Christmas lights. The cruise could potentially leave Westminster at 9:30/10am to arrive into Hampton Court at 1pm with the return journey into Westminster arriving at 4pm, around sunset.

Extending the operational "season" to November or December would also allow tourists to travel directly between the ice rink at Hampton Court and Kew Garden's Christmas lights - likewise those at Kew's Christmas lights event can cruise directly to Central London for Christmas shopping whilst enjoying a scenic festive cruise down the river.

This move would be beneficial to tourists from all over the world, devoted Christians who acknowledge this beloved holiday and would connect two major iconic locations at the most wonderful time of the year - even if just one or two limited one off festive cruises can take place, that is better than absolutely nothing whatsoever in the run up to Christmas!

Christmas at Kew is Kew's biggest annual event, with tickets going on sale as early as February, so having direct sailings between Kew and Westminster would not only allow more people direct access to the event, but I believe it will make the event at Kew even more successful and popular - allowing visitors and holidaymakers a perfect alternative to using public transport and TfL fares; likewise the service to Hampton Court would not only be a tourism boost but will also save TfL of lost revenue and fare evasion.

I understand that maintenance work is required at Teddington lock over the winter months and that mooring up at Hampton Court is impractical during winter due to the poor infrastructure, however the winter closure in November and December denies tourists like myself from enjoying a festive cruise from Hampton Court to Westminster with mulled wine and mince pies so the winter closure by the Environment Agency should instead be from Christmas to Easter (moveable), on Sundays and over major bank holidays throughout the year like engineering works on the railways!

We urge Thames River Boats and the Environment Agency to reconsider this regrettable decision to suspend/cease all sailings in late October for winter maintenance to allow tourists and holidaymakers for a three hour pre-Christmas cruise from Hampton Court to Westminster with amazing sunsets, views of Kingston's Christmas markets, Twickenham's Christmas lights, festive cheer and delicious Christmas pudding on board!

This is something that really needs to change so please sign this petition if you agree with this cause and this needs to be debated in parliament!