'Useless' Cam Conservators under fire

A FORMER Cam Conservator has broken ranks and attacked the waste and suspect decisions of the Cam Conservators—the body in charge of the river in Cambridge—as 'dysfunctional' and 'top-heavy'.

Malcolm Schofield, one of 13 Conservators on the Board, has attacked the Conservators on the way they run the river and particularly causing the resignation of River Manager Dr Philippa Noon, who has held the position since 2006.  She has just handed in her resignation, with her office in such condition she is unable to work late due to health and safety reasons.

Castigated

The Board has been castigated for its handling of boat registration fees, expensive high court battles and the handling of the Swan Mr. Asbo, who was whipped away to a secret location as he upset punters, with Malcolm responding:

"It's a mess. Hours and hours are spent on meetings with no outcomes and no production at all. It is dysfunctional and top heavy with directors and just a small number of staff."

Two days a week

A decision that has upset many as a waste is the Conservators' appointment of a new part-time executive officer, John Adams, who has worked two days a week with a salary of up to £5,000 a month to 'share the workload with the chairman'.

There has been a long drawn out and expensive legal battle in the High Court over the use of Garret Hostel Bridge as a punting station, that it is thought was a matter for the local council, and nothing to do with the Conservators.

Cambridge has remained separate from the main system, little more than a city conclave with the Conservators wielding huge power over river users, but inclined to favour the use of punts against narrowboats.