Cambridge's most loved river pursuit could disappear forever due to 'financial collapse'

Punting on the picturesque River Cam – a tradition that has lasted for more than a century – could come to a heartbreaking end as the authority that looks after the waterway faces financial ruin, reports The Times.

The Conservators of the River Cam (CamCon), which has managed a six-mile stretch of river since 1702, has warned that two nearby lock islands controlling water levels are on the verge of collapse. Should they give way, the idyllic stretch known as the Backs — which boasts world-famous views of King’s College, the Bridge of Sighs and the Wren Library — would be left as a muddy trickle, making punting impossible.

And it’s not just tourists who would feel the loss. Rowers at the university’s prestigious colleges further north could also find themselves grounded by fluctuating water levels and clogged, weed-choked channels.

David Goode, chairman of the conservators, said: “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 added that Jesus Lock island and Baits Bite Lock, located a few miles up the river, were both in urgent need of repair. Baits Bite Lock has already been closed for more than a year, leaving many boat owners trapped.

“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,” he said.

CamCon says that emergency stabilisation would cost around £1.5 million per lock island, while full replacements would run up a bill of between £10 million and £15 million apiece. Without the cash, the conservators fear they cannot keep going.

In a stark update to residents, CamCon, which employs just three full-time staff, said it cannot do any further significant repair work to the locks “without the threat of insolvency.” The message warned: “The Conservancy may yet need to be incorporated into another organisation or simply become unviable and inoperative.”

The body is restricted in its fundraising powers by an act of Parliament. Its main income comes from fees for using the river — between £315 annually for a paddleboard and up to £3,000 for a 20-metre vessel. But its leaders want to change the funding model so it can raise money from locals, companies and the University, all of whom benefit from the river.

Anne Miller, co-chairwoman of the Cam Valley Forum, which campaigns to protect the river, said the colleges must do more to help. “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 warned.

“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.”