In May 2024, due to safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the lock islands at Baits Bite and Jesus Green locks, the decision was taken to close the locks until further notice.
Visual and underwater camera surveys have now shown that the fabric of both locks is unstable and vulnerable to collapse. Both lock islands carry public footpaths over the river, and the footpath at Baits Bite was closed by Cambridgeshire County Council at the same time as the Conservancy closed the lock and remains closed.
Both locks will require stabilisation work to make them safe in the short term and rebuilding in the medium term. The immediate stabilisation work is likely to cost around £1.5 million per lock, with the need greatest at Baits Bite. Rebuilding the locks is likely to cost at least £5 million each, probably more.
The Conservancy has stated that funds for the immediate stabilisation work are not readily available to them, and the medium-term rebuilding of the locks is beyond the Conservancy’s financial means.
The Conservancy’s income comes almost exclusively from fees, which just cover routine operations and it receives no additional funding for capital works. As a result, the Conservators are exploring potential sources of external funding.
The situation has left many boats stranded on the river with no maintenance facilities on the affected stretch, and no visitors able to reach the popular tourist destination of Cambridge by boat. Some have been forced to crane their boats out in order to leave.
This news comes as IWA are also calling for additional funding for the Broads Authority as concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the funding model for the Broads as demonstrated by the recent Broads Authority briefing on navigation charges for 2025/26.
Sue O’Hare, Chair of IWA’s Navigation Committee, said:
“Through Fund Britain’s Waterways IWA is campaigning for adequate national and local government funding for all Britain’s navigable rivers and canals to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy their many benefits. The circumstances of the River Cam are unique but the need for funding is universal.”
For more information see the Cam Conservancy website.
