Funding to protect assets in cities near approval

Urgent works to Baits Bite Lock would include stabilising the structure, safeguarding navigation and river safety

Funding for works to protect historical assets in two cities is one step closer to being approved by a combined authority.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has proposed spending £800,000 to stabilise the River Cam's Baits Bite Lock near Cambridge and to install a new lighting system in Peterborough Cathedral.

The funding will be discussed for final approval in a Combined Authority Board meeting on 24 September.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: "With a growing region, it's vital our heritage and tourism assets are not left behind."

The combined authority would put £500,000 towards the River Cam's Baits Bite Lock, which will cost £1.5m to repair.

The lock has been closed since May 2024 after a survey revealed structural issues.

Works would include stabilising the structure, safeguarding navigation and river safety.

The money will come from a previous pot of £1.42m set aside for the Local Visitor Economy Partnership project, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

There have been previous concerns after two locks were closed in need of repairs, with boaters left trapped on the stretch of river between them only a few miles long.

The Conservators of the River Cam, a group that manages the city's waterways, claimed if the locks failed the river flow could be reduced to a trickle, which would impact boating and punting on the Cam.

The Baits Bite lock has been closed since May 2024

Bristow, said: "In Cambridge, the River Cam is a big part of what makes the city. Stabilising Baits Bite Lock will protect the river for all who use and enjoy it.

"I hope this funding, if approved, will kickstart action, working with the Cam Conservators and others, to properly rebuild and restore the locks for future generations."

Paul Bristow believes a new energy efficient light system would make the cathedral welcoming and bring in more visitors

The combined authority also proposed to use £299,432 to update the lighting at Peterborough Cathedral.

The plans included replacing failing and outdated lighting in the church to a more energy-efficient system.

Bristow said he believed the improvements would make the cathedral more welcoming and bring in more visitors.

"This is about doing fewer things, but doing them really well and making sure the investments we make really count," he said.