Boaters face 25% increase

WITH the Cam Conservators facing a shortfall of £50,000, boaters on the river are facing a 25% increase in fees.

The Conservators of the Cam have already voted to charge even punts, rowing boats and canoes extra this year, and are at present considering how much extra boaters  — both residential and non residential — will have to pay, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Facing shortfall

The Conservators are facing a shortfall which is putting their ability to cope with any emergency and essential capital projects at risk, by the lack of funds.

Currently there is a two tier system, with some who remain on the Cam only paying the conservators for registration, but boaters who also cruise the Environmental Agency's waters beyond Bottisham Lock paying a higher fee, some of which goes to the Conservators.

One proposal is to increase the fee charged to motorised boat owners who travel beyond the lock by 25%.

Blame the authority

Boaters however blame the authority, with a member of Camboaters remarking:

"Many see the Cam Con as an inefficient organisation, and would need to see full accounts in order to be convinced otherwise. Until they can see that their money is being used effectively, boaters will remain reluctant to give more."

The consultation concerning fees ends at the end of January and will be discussed at a special meeting of the conservators on the 16th February.