Ed Davey Warns of “Catastrophe” for River Cam Amid Sewage Crisis

The River Cam is facing an alarming situation, with warnings of a potential “catastrophe” due to sewage pollution and deteriorating infrastructure. This dire assessment comes from Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, during his visit to Cambridge on August 15, 2023.

Davey emphasized the significance of the River Cam, identifying it as one of England’s precious chalk streams, a category that includes only about 200 such rivers in the country. He remarked, “People have referred to chalk streams as England’s tropical rainforest, that is how important they are for our ecological success.” The pollution affecting the river is not only a local issue but also a broader environmental concern that warrants immediate attention.

During the visit, Davey highlighted the pressing need for investment in the river’s infrastructure. He pointed out that the Conservators of the River Cam, the group responsible for maintaining the river between Bottisham and the Mill Pond in Cambridge, recently described their organization as being in crisis. The conservators stated that the financial burden of necessary repairs far exceeds their capacity.

Davey warned that failure to repair critical infrastructure, such as the locks on the river, could result in severely diminished water levels, turning the River Cam into “a trickle.” He urged local and national authorities to collaborate on funding solutions, criticizing the current government for delays in addressing these issues. “They have dragged their feet for too long,” he said, adding that the situation demands urgent action.

Councillor Cheney Payne, also a Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Cambridge, expressed hope that Davey’s visit would draw attention to the river’s plight. She described the River Cam as an iconic feature not just for Cambridge but for the UK and beyond. “When you ask people about Cambridge all over the world, I think it is probably the river that they imagine,” she stated.

Payne recently launched a petition calling for government funding to repair the Jesus Green and Baits Bite locks, which has garnered around 300 signatures within just a few days. She estimated that the cost for proper repairs and upgrades to both locks would be approximately £10 million, a figure that would severely impact the city council’s budget. In contrast, she argued that for the government, the amount is relatively modest.

The urgency of the situation is compounded by the fact that the region is the driest in the UK. Payne stressed that protecting the River Cam is crucial for the sustainable growth that the government envisions for Cambridge. She called on Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for the Environment, to commit to funding the repairs.

As part of his visit, Davey also participated in a punting trip along the River Cam, a first for him in Cambridge, although he previously experienced punting in Oxford. He reflected on the nervousness of the activity but expressed enjoyment, acknowledging the significance of punting as a tourist attraction.

The River Cam’s challenges reflect a larger national issue concerning water quality and infrastructure maintenance. As local leaders push for immediate action, the hope remains that increased awareness will lead to decisive government intervention and funding.