Urgent Action Needed as River Cam Faces Pollution Crisis

The River Cam is confronting severe environmental challenges, with leaders from the Liberal Democrats calling for immediate action to address pollution and crumbling infrastructure. During a visit to Cambridge on August 15, 2023, Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, emphasized the critical state of the river, which is facing pollution from sewage and an urgent need for repairs.

Davey described the situation as “appalling,” noting the River Cam’s significance as one of England’s precious chalk streams. He pointed out that while there are approximately 200 chalk streams in England, the country is home to 85 percent of the world’s total. “People have referred to chalk streams as England’s tropical rainforest; that is how important they are for our ecological success,” he stated. The ongoing pollution of these waterways is a troubling issue that, according to Davey, should not be tolerated.

The leader’s concerns are echoed by local representatives, including Councillor Cheney Payne, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Cambridge. She stressed the importance of the River Cam as a vital national and international asset that requires substantial investment for its upkeep. Earlier this year, the Conservators of the River Cam issued a report indicating that the organization is in crisis, unable to afford the necessary repairs and maintenance to the river’s infrastructure.

A failure to address these issues could lead to disastrous consequences. Davey warned that if the locks along the river are not repaired, water levels could drop significantly, reducing the River Cam to a mere trickle. “People need to get around the table—whether it is the mayor, city council, or central government—to work out how they can fund it,” he said, criticizing the current government for inaction.

Payne has taken proactive steps by launching a petition earlier this month, calling on the government to secure funding for the repairs to both Jesus Green Lock and Baits Bite Lock. In just a few days, the petition garnered around 300 signatures, underscoring the community’s concern. “To properly repair and renew both locks would cost about £10 million; for a city council, that is impossible, but for the government, it is relatively minor,” she noted.

Both Payne and Davey highlighted the broader implications of neglecting the River Cam, particularly in a region that is already the driest in the UK. “Our most precious resource here is water,” Payne said, urging for immediate government investment to protect the river. She called on Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for the Environment, to prioritize funding for the necessary repairs.

During his visit, Davey also participated in a punting trip along the River Cam, an activity that showcases the river’s cultural significance. Although he expressed nervousness, he managed to enjoy the experience and remarked on the river’s appeal to tourists. “It is wonderful and is one of the many things this city is known for,” he said, reinforcing the need for a clean and well-maintained river to support local tourism and community life.

The challenges facing the River Cam are emblematic of a larger environmental crisis affecting many waterways across the UK. With voices like those of Ed Davey and Cheney Payne advocating for immediate action, there is hope that necessary steps will be taken to preserve this vital and cherished natural resource.