Great Ouse and Cam boaters fear confirmed

THE fear by River Great Ouse and Cam boaters that the swingeing licence proposals by the Environment Agency would come into force have been realised.

The Conservators of the River Cam and Environment Agency have confirmed their updated 'Interchange Agreement', making the seven miles of the navigable Cam  the most expensive to cruise in the country, with its licence for a 60ft narrowboat now £868, an increase of £170.66 from last year—24%.

Good value

What is so annoying to River Great Ouse boaters wanting to access the Cam and Cam boaters is that in a combined statement from Cam Conservancy and Environment Agency they state it is 'to ensure boaters with powered craft such as cruisers and narrowboats can continue to enjoy 'good value' access between the River Great Ouse and River Cam'!

But David Mercer of the River Great Ouse Boating Association told narrowboatworld:

"It still leaves an unanswered question. Why, when the Environment Agency is saving the £43,000 per annum previously paid to Cam Con (from Environment Agency licence fees) under the old agreement, do they need to retain 5% of the extra 10% charge for themselves?

"It is nothing but an additional licence fee increase by stealth. Scandalous! They will argue that it is ‘optional' for Environment Agency boaters wishing to continue to access the Cam. In fact, it just means a total increase of 17% for Environment Agency licence-holders to retain the same rights they have enjoyed for the last 18 years."

We should point out that there was no consultation.