Campaign to save bathing sheds at Chain Bridge in March

A statement from Middle Level Commissioners' chief executive Paul Burrows explains the crumbling Chain Bridge bathing sheds must go on safety grounds – but insists swimming at the much‑loved Twenty Foot river site will continue, with a revamped, more manageable facility.

The Commissioners, who are responsible for the Twenty Foot and its banks, describe the remains of the Victorian‑era sheds as unsafe, unsightly and a visibility hazard on the 60mph road at Chain Bridge.

Paul says previous efforts to fence off the worst‑affected sections have been thwarted, with barriers damaged or removed and people continuing to access the deteriorating structure, and he fears that without action, there could be an accident, which would result in the total loss of the facility.

Middle Level Commissioners say they will make improvements to the bathing platform to improve swimmer safety. (Image: Middle Level Commissioners)

With the current road closure for works at Hobb’s Lott reducing traffic, the Commissioners see a “window of opportunity” to finally make the site safe.

Their basic plan is to return the unstable parts of the old structure to a grassed bank they can properly manage and maintain, while keeping the existing platform that swimmers and anglers use for access to the water.

Paul stressed they have only a limited budget and that expectations need to be realistic.

Although he acknowledged the deep affection many local people have for the sheds – and for the generations who learned to swim there – he says the priority now is to remove dangerous fabric and create a safe, proportionate facility alongside a busy road.

The bathing sheds on the Twenty Foot river at Chain Bridge near March have been used by thousands of people to learn to swim for more than a 100 years. (Image: Middle Level Commissioners)

The Commissioners want “responsible use” to continue and are keen to build in low‑cost improvements following talks with representatives of the Fen Fins swimming group.

Paul said the Commissioners are in the "very early stages" of deciding what to do to future-proof the site, but said ideas being explored include a paddle portage to expand the usable area, sockets in the ground so temporary windbreaks can be erected, and a new ladder for safer access in and out of the water.

The Commissioners also say they’d like to see stronger “user governance”, potentially via a formal agreement with a local group – similar to arrangements they already have with angling clubs.

That could help a constituted group apply for grants and work with nearby landowners on better changing and parking provision.

The bathing sheds on the Twenty Foot river at Chain Bridge near March have been used by thousands of people to learn to swim for more than a 100 years. (Image: Friends of Chain Bridge Bathing Sheds)

They caution that a full restoration or new, more substantial structure would cost tens of thousands of pounds, create an ongoing maintenance burden and might struggle to secure planning permission.

Paul said that under the Commissioners' own legislation, it is unlikely they would consent to rebuilding anything similar on the site.

In their view, a modest, safe, community‑managed space would both respect the site’s heritage and secure its future.

Regular swimmer Angie Fereday and fellow open‑water swimmers have launched a campaign to “save” the bathing sheds, arguing they should be repaired and made good rather than effectively sealed and buried.

The bathing sheds on the Twenty Foot river at Chain Bridge near March have been used by thousands of people to learn to swim for more than a 100 years. (Image: Friends of Chain Bridge Bathing Sheds)

The sheds, which she says date back to the 1920s, have been used by “thousands of people” learning to swim over the years, and are still used by families enjoying the river and anglers using the platform.

Angie accepts the sheds are “almost derelict” and need work, but believes funding should be found to restore them instead of boarding them up.

She has also raised concerns about a lack of official recognition and consultation.

She pointed out that the site is not listed, and she says Fenland District Council’s planners did not appear concerned when she contacted them.

She described Middle Level’s approach as “cloak and dagger”, claiming there had been no clear public announcement about the plans and warned that many residents simply “aren’t aware of what is being planned”.

The campaigners are urging people to back their efforts to keep the structures in use.

However, Middle Level Commissioners say their action will safeguard the future use of the site for generations to come.

They have said they welcome feedback and are inviting local user groups to come forward to discuss possible governance of the site.

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