Plans have been approved to build a new £100 million flood defence barrier across the River Witham in Boston.

The Boston Barrier scheme, which will be built by Bam Nuttall and Mott MacDonald joint venture (BMMJV), will provide better protection to more than 14,000 properties from tidal flooding.

Features include a new control building to operate the barrier, new flood defence walls on both banks, and a replacement gate across the entrance to the existing Port of Boston wet dock.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove, has now approed the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to grant powers to construct and operate the barrier. Construction is set to begin in January next year.

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Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: "Not only is this fantastic news for the 14,000 home and business owners who will be better protected from flooding – Boston's new state of the art defences will help attract investment, benefitting the wider area.

"This is just one of many flood schemes being built in Lincolnshire and we are investing £229 million over six years to better protect communities across the county."

Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: "The Boston Barrier scheme is an inspiring example of collaborative work between the Environment Agency, councils, businesses and the local community.

"I am pleased that it will help to protect more than 14,000 homes and businesses from the kind of flooding the town experienced in December 2013. I look forward to the finished scheme."

BMMJV Framework Director Allan Rogers said: "We are looking forward to delivering this innovative flood protection scheme.

"We have a proven track record of success having recently completed phase one of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme."

(LM/MH)