Environment Agency Chief Executive visits Boston Barrier site
The Boston Barrier will provide one of the best defences outside of London
Environment Agency Chief Executive James Bevan has visited Boston Barrier project board and local stakeholders
Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan, visited the Boston Barrier Community Hub on Wednesday, 31 August, to lend his support to the flood defence project.
Sir James took the opportunity to come and speak to the project board and local stakeholders including MP Matt Warman and Chief Executive of Boston Borough Council, Phil Drury.
The project, which recently received attention following the submission of a Transport & Works Act order application, is projected to reduce the risk of tidal flooding to approximately 14,300 properties in Boston over the next 100 years.
The project team has applied to the Secretary of State for an order granting a range of powers to put the scheme into practice under the Transport and Works Act. The public have until 5 October to make representations to the Secretary of State who will then decide whether the scheme will be brought to a public inquiry.
Sir James said:
I felt it was essential to come and see the Boston Barrier team at such an important milestone.
I’ve seen the devastating effects flooding can have on communities and so I’m looking forward to the barrier being in place as it will provide one of the best defences against tidal flooding anywhere outside of London.
I am confident in the work of the project team and I believe we have come up with the best barrier in the best place to give the best protection for Boston.
The local economy will benefit too as, where you have better protection against floods, businesses are more likely to invest, developers are more likely to build and tourism is likely to increase.
Matt Warman, MP for Boston & Skegness, met with Sir James Bevan during his visit to Boston and discussed the flood defence project and the future potential for Water Level Management, creating increased opportunities for tourism and leisure craft.
Matt said:
I am delighted that the Boston Barrier will provide the highest level of flood protection to Boston.
This project will be one of the largest ever delivered by the Environment Agency and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to safeguarding our area’s homes and businesses.
Importantly, the project will secure increased flood protection as soon as possible whilst still protecting options for future water level management. That means it will fast-track the increased protection from flooding and still offer huge potential for future economic growth.
I hope that the local community will join me in supporting this project through making written representations to the Secretary of State. Details of how to do so are on my website.
Copies of the Transport and Works Act order application and relevant documents will be available for local inspection at Boston Borough Council’s offices and the Environment Agency’s Boston Barrier Community Hub until 5 October 2016.
The documents will also be available to view on the Environment Agency’s consultation site.