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Legislative Framework

 

The Conservancy (formally: The Conservators of the River Cam) is a Body Corporate, created and regulated by Acts of Parliament (principally the River Cam Navigation Act 1851 and the River Cam Conservancy Act 1922).  It is the statutory Navigation Authority for the River Cam, within its area, as defined by the 1922 Act.  It is empowered by the 1922 Act to make Byelaws to regulate the River.  The relevant Acts and the Byelaws can be inspected through the links below.

 

1845 Land Clauses Consolidation Act 

 

1845 Railway Clauses Consolidation Act

 

1847 Commissioners Clauses Act (view) (download)

 

1851 River Cam Navigation Act

 

1922 River Cam Conservancy Act

 

1985 Cambridge City Council Act

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1996 Conservators of the River Cam Byelaws

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2018 Conservators of the River Cam Privacy Policy

 

Superceded Byelaws

Byelaws - 1925, 1950, 1970

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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