Flood defence scheme is launched

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The plan is to raise the river banks and build a flood barrier

A £50m flood defence scheme which will see construction of a tidal surge barrier across the River Orwell is being unveiled to residents in Suffolk.

The joint project between the Environment Agency and Ipswich Borough Council aims to protect 2,300 homes.

In addition to the £30m tidal barrier in Ipswich, river banks will be raised and bigger lock gates installed.

Work on the first phase of the scheme is due to start in summer 2009, with the tidal barrier in place by 2012.

'Step forward'

Councillor Paul West, the borough council's transport and engineering portfolio holder, said: "This is a very big step forward in the protection of Ipswich from flooding and we are delighted to be working so closely with the Environment Agency on this major project."

River banks will be raised near Bath Street and near the entrance to the town's wet dock.

The tidal surge barrier will be constructed across the River Orwell at the New Cut.

A large part of central Ipswich lies on a flood plain.

The flood defence strategy aims to protect homes in areas of the town currently being regenerated, in particular the Waterfront.

Ipswich MP Chris Mole said: "Protecting this area from flooding will help our town grow and develop safe from the increasing threat of flood events."

Work to install new lock gates close to the Waterfront is set to take place on Sunday, after it was delayed by a week.