River Cam's most beloved tradition could be wiped out due to 'financial collapse' - Cambridgeshire Live

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Punting on the charming River Cam, a time-honoured tradition for over a century, is under threat as The Times reports that the body responsible for managing this stretch of water is facing financial woes.

The Conservators of the River Cam (CamCon), stewarding a six-mile expanse of the river since 1702, have signalled that two lock islands essential for regulating water levels are at risk of collapsing. A breach could transform the famed Backs – celebrated for its postcard-perfect views of King's College, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Wren Library – into nothing but a muddy stream, spelling doom for punting.

The repercussions extend beyond disappointing tourists; university rowers from the illustrious northern colleges might find themselves stranded amid unpredictable waters and congested, overrun channels.

David Goode, chair of the conservators, warned: "On the river stretch along the Backs between Mill Pond and Jesus Lock the water level is held artificially high by the sluice gates at the lock.

"If what is holding the water back collapses, all the water drains away and what you're left with is a measly, muddy trickle that definitely won't support the punts. There would be a lot of consequences: the loss of punting, exposing of the foundation of college walls and the devastating impact to the appeal and economy of Cambridge."

Mr Goode has highlighted that both Jesus Lock island and Baits Bite Lock, situated a few miles up the river, require immediate attention. The latter has already been closed for over a year, resulting in numerous boat owners being marooned, reports the Express.

Referring to concerns about Jesus Lock island, he mentioned: "We had a report last year that said Jesus Lock island was in imminent danger of collapse. If it was imminent a year ago it's not going to get better," emphasising the urgency of repair work needed.

CamCon has appraised that emergency stabilisation efforts would necessitate roughly £1.5 million for each lock island, whilst complete replacements would incur costs ranging from £10 million to £15 million for each. The conservators are worried about their viability without the necessary finances.

Delivering a stark notice to residents, CamCon, which operates with a modest team of three full-time staff, admitted its inability to undertake significant repairs to the locks without facing the risk of insolvency. Warning the community, they conveyed:

"The Conservancy may yet need to be incorporated into another organisation or simply become unviable and inoperative."

CamCon's ability to raise funds is constrained by parliamentary legislation, with its main income deriving from usage fees of the river — ranging from £315 yearly for paddleboards to £3,000 for 20-metre vessels.

However, its leaders are seeking to modify the financing structure to garner contributions from local residents, businesses, and the University, who all enjoy the benefits offered by the river.

Anne Miller, co-chair of the Cam Valley Forum that advocates for river conservation, called on the colleges to step up their efforts.

“If the river is fetid sludge the tourists aren't going to want to come; the colleges along the river are going to suffer," she cautioned.

Stressing Cambridge's status as a hub of innovation and wealth, she added, “We are a techy city. We've got loads of billionaires, wealthy colleges, wealthy businesses from Microsoft to AstraZeneca.

If everybody puts a chunk in a kitty we can get this sorted. ".