Cambridge Punt Wars

Rival operators in the 2.5 million punt industry in Cambridge have been resorting to dirty tricks in bids to undercut (literally) each other and tout for trade on the River Cam. The centuries-old business has seen independent companies, more recently cooperatives and so-called mobilers clash. Stink bombs have been thrown, washing-up liquid squirted on board the punts, mooring chains cut, punts sawn in half and landing steps damaged.

Punts cut, chains sawed;
argy bargy; Punters pinched
by rival Cam firms.

Oldest Cam punt firm
shafted. Scudamore's stranded
by landing step theft.

Punt companies part
company (and boats). Punters
poached(pun intended).