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The Conservators

The existence, duties and powers of the Conservators are derived from Acts of Parliament, the earliest of which was passed in 1702. They are appointed by Cambridge City Council (7), the University of Cambridge (3), the Environment Agency (2) and Cambridgeshire County Council (1). 

 

No Conservator receives an income from the Conservancy for the fulfilment of their role, and for the majority of Conservators, this remains an entirely voluntary role.

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The Conservancy's income comes largely from the registration of boats, other income is generated from fees charged for works on the river, rental income and more recently, for work undertaken on behalf of the Environment Agency. The Conservancy does not receive any subsidy from the governments or any local authorities, it remains entirely self funding. All income raised is put back into fulfilling the Conservancy statutory responsibilities, and any monies Conservators have invested are expected to produce a financial return which will supplement the organisation's income.

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Please click here for the Conservators of the River Cam 2023 - 2028 Business Plan.

 

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Conservators

Cambridge University

David Goode (Fr.) (Chair) 

G Greenfield

VACANCY

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Cambridge City Council

N Gough (Cllr)

D Levien (Cllr) 

A Wilson

S Tovell

VACANCY​

VACANCY

VACANCY

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Cambridgeshire County Council

A Bradnam (Cllr)  

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Environment Agency

S Judge (Deputy Chair)

VACANCY

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21/05/2024 LOCK CLOSURE INFORMATION

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Due to safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the lock islands at Baits Bite and Jesus Green, the decision has been taken to temporarily close the locks until further notice. More detailed structural investigations will be undertaken and a plan for remedial works developed urgently. The Conservators are engaging with the Environment Agency and Local Authorities to seek a coordinated approach.

 

Further information: The Conservators of the River Cam are responsible for the navigation (the river) from Mill Pool in Cambridge to Bottisham Lock (Waterbeach) and the locks in between, namely Jesus Green Lock (JGL) in Cambridge and Bait’s Bite Lock (BBL). ​Each lock has an island between the lock chamber and the sluice and weir structures, which it supports. At both Jesus Lock and Baits Bite Lock, the Conservators own the lock and lock island, while the Environment Agency (EA) own and operate the sluice and weir. In addition, the lock islands support footbridges and public right of way in these locations, which are managed by the relevant Local Authorities.​

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Following observations of cracks in both lock islands, early in 2024 the Conservators of the River Cam commissioned structural surveys.​ The consequent reports identify significant structural fragility in the lock islands and a need for reinforcement work in the short to medium term.​ The Conservators have collectively reviewed the reports and are urgently drawing up a detailed risk assessment, commissioning more detailed surveys, and developing a project plan for remedial works.

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