CamBoater's campaign continues with open day
Manos and Mertle | 22.08.2004 23:29 | Free Spaces | Social Struggles | Cambridge
The association has been formed in the last few weeks by resident Cam boaters to campaign against new mooring rules recently introduced by the Cam Conservancy. Starting from October 1st boats will not be allowed to moor on Midsummer Common, directly affecting the approximately 22 boats that will have to move, but also causing overcrowding of the entire river. The Campaign has also highlighted other concerns, including the lack of waste disposal facilities and fuel supplies available for boaters, and the presence of just a single water point for tens of boats.
[Photos]
[Previous coverage: Barbecue, Boatpeople revolt!]
View of the boat open day
Aside from the irregularities and the unfairness of the process, most boaters and residents deny the legitimacy of the Conservancy to effectively evict residents from a river that has been inhabited for the last 500 years. Some fear that the ban on Midsummer Common is the beginning of a series of evictions that could aim to transform the river into a mere sporting facility. Others felt that they were just the latest victims of a centuries old tussle between town and gown: the leisure of a small number of privileged University kids destroying a thriving community.
Manos and Mertle
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David and Goliath?
24.08.2004 01:11
Why is it that virtually every time the University wants to have things it's own way, there is precious little consultation with the general public?!!
Case in point: The main reason there was a public inquiry about the Girton Primate Labs was in no small part due to pressure from local (and national) Animal Rights groups - if this hadn't have happened, the University would most likely have railroaded that decision too!
You see, the ruling class, whomever they be, whatever form they take, always forget the simple things in their arrogance and cloistering...
...One of those things being that it is 'the masses' that bolster them, and therefore 'the masses' can ultimately overthrow them - if need be.
The story of the Camboaters is just one these chapters in this ongoing struggle.
Slingshot