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# NameComments
701 SuzanneBut I would like there to be some licience process as I have recently had a tour and the guide knew practically nothing. VERY poor but there was noone to complain to on our return as the person who took our booking was gone.
702 Annie Davies
703 Christopher MosesHaving grown up in Cambridge and worked on the River Cam punting myself I am saddened to hear of the corporate take over of a public resource for private profit. Cambridge has long prided itself on the diversified nature of the city bringing town and gown together as well as locals and people from away. The University is comprised different colleges many of which lead down to the river Cam allowing visitors to enjoy the unique attributes of each college from boats. These boats have seen different forms over the years ranging from Punts to rowboats, canadian canoes and the odd kayak. These boats have been operated by companies, individuals and some colleges. I believe an visitor's experience is enhanced by the wide variety of operators on the Cam, with a variety of color schemes and boats the river is an eclectic mix of crafts, colors and skill levels reflecting the true nature of Cambridge. If the city council grants Scudamores monopoly powers we are sure to see a homogenous fleet of identical punts delivering repetitious tours and exploiting the river to line their own pockets at the expense of the Cambridge Community. One only need look at the aggressive nature of corporate entities such as Walmart and McDonalds to reralise that large corporations serve only themselves at the expense of the communities they are located in. Let's keep the Cam British and unique, we should not follow the corporate business model which our American cousins have introduced to the world...............Chris
704 Sharon Kiliti
705 Sophie Johnson
706 Chris Harris
707 Jack Riordan
708 Robert BryanIt would be a sad day seeing only one company running all Punting on the Camb. I fear the river will end up a little bit like some tacky Disney ride.
709 adarsh GrewalThis strategy to hinder competition and give one company such a monopoly is seriously destructive to the local economy and individual livelihoods. It seems that this is further imposition for standardisation taking over the globe and look at the consequences!
710 Rod Shortell
711 Tom Moriarty
712 Rhiannon EvansIt is clear that the decision to band Independent Punting effectively kills any competition on the river and will allow Scudamores to raise prices to whatever they decide. This is clearly unacceptable; I was under the impression that the government regulated such situations to avois monopoly markets from becoming a possibility. This is a ridiculous proposal. Also, I work on Quayside and I am very aware that Scudamores employees are generally far more 'aggressive' in their tactics than the mobilers are. Just because the mobilers undercut prices set by Scudamores employees does not mean they are aggressive. It is tactics such as these that are healthy for the industry; the market for punting continues to thrive.
713 Niamh Johnson
714 Anonymous
715 Lee SilvesterGolbalisation is already a problem throughout the world, surely the Cam can do without it!!!
716 Daniel darby
717 AnonymousPunting is part of what makes Cambridge Cambridge!! Please save independant punting!!
718 James Richardson
719 Sam PhillipsDon't let scudamores have a monopoly! it'll ruin cambridge!
720 jody wing
721 Elle Smith
722 Rachel Benton
723 Tanith JonesIndependent punts are what make Cambridge what it is! Without students asking you to come on their punt, Cambridge would be raabbishh! And it helps them pay their student loans ;)
724 Donna Paul
725 Soraya Meftah
726 Matt Frayling Cork
727 Theresa Dixon
728 Anonymous
729 Dean Ryan
730 Sam ChequerIts part of our heritage!
731 Michael RyvesPlease listen
732 Samantha Cox
733 oliver glasserm...monopoly laws, surely?
734 bob wilsonpunting is a tradition that must be allowed to continue , everything else in England is going to the dogs so some thing must be saved and this is one of those things
735 AnonymousIndependent punting is part of Cambridge. Keep it!
736 Fran PogliaI really do think it would be a shame to make punting the way Cambridge has been making it's shopping. Small boutiques, and freelance punters are real Cambridge Traditions. It'd be a real shame to lose either, but the punting especially.
737 George Hill
738 Rebecca HollowayI don't believe its fair to ban independent punt operators and give a monopoly to Scudamores Punt Company. I believe the council should discuss this issue further with independent punt operators to allow fair regulation
739 Charlie
740 Dan Hills
741 Anonymous
742 AnonymousThe beauty of Cambridge by our river is for everyone to enjoy - not a select few. I disagree with only letting certain companies trade their punts - residents want choice.
743 sophie
744 richard joselandWe're heading for a monopoly? Is that legal?!?!
745 Mrs R ShahWe have many visitors each year who we take punting in Cambridge. Independent punt operators offer a more competitive price, & value for money encouraging us to take advantage of the tours. As Cambridge residents, we would be far less likely to punt if we had to pay the rates for example that Scudamores charge. I prefer to support the independents who are willing to go out there & compete with those who hold the monopoly.
746 Anonymouswhilst the constant stream of being asked if I'm "interested in punting today" walking down quayside and bridge street, and an overwhelming desire to reply something rude along the lines of "go away, I'm not a tourist", is slightly annoying, the idea that the council are able to restrict independent punting companies, and not impose any kind of new fees or rules to the large monopolies is absolutely atrocious. It is completely indicative of the type of consumer experience one gets in Cambridge - no small and independent, or reasonably priced consumer choices at all because it doesn't fit in with Cambridge's "Image". Has anyone realised it's the 21st century?
747 audrie reedWhat Cambridge Resident would want to go to one of the big commercial companies to hire a punt ? No me. Ideally I would like to punt from Grantchester where the river is quieter to Newnham and back and not to be part of the tourist crowds down stream.
748 Jat SinghWhy monopolise something so fundamental to Cam?
749 Bart WoodbineCompetition is healthy
750 Angela WalkerI believe this creates a monopoly situation and is therefore unfair to both independent punters and to tourists who have no alternative but to use the only company available, instead of being able to choose the punt and the price they wish to pay for themselves. It smacks of corruption.