The Port of Boston has pledged its support towards a new multi-million pound flood alleviation project.

The Boston Barrier scheme would see a new tidal barrier with a moveable gate built across the River Witham, helping to protect over 17,000 properties as part of the Boston Combined Strategy.

Other features include building new flood defence walls on both banks of the Haven, a replacement gate across the entrance to the existing Port Wet Dock and other ancillary works, including dredging of the river.

Following discussions between the Environment Agency and the Port around the proposed Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), the Port has now withdrawn its objection to the TWAO and thrown its support behind the scheme.

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Representative of the Port of Boston, Neil Harris said: "We are pleased to announce today that we are fully supportive of the Boston Barrier Scheme that the Environment Agency are promoting for the town of Boston.

"We have been working closely with the Environment Agency throughout the optioneering and development phases of the Boston Barrier Scheme and we will continue to work together during the detailed design and construction stage, particularly in relation to ensuring the continued safe navigation of all vessels on the Haven.

"There will be some disruption to navigation during key construction activities, but the Port is confident these can be managed and kept to a minimum through continued partnership working with the Environment Agency and their contractor."

Boston Barrier Director, Adam Robinson said: "We're delighted to be working alongside the Port of Boston, the statutory Harbour Authority, to secure consent and enable the delivery of such an important scheme for the town of Boston, following the December 2013 tidal surge where many properties and businesses were affected."

A public inquiry for the proposed TWAO start at the Boston Barrier Hub in Marsh Lane on 19 April

The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2019.

(LM)