THE proposed £50 million Boston Barrier and Haven flood defence project has moved a step closer to becoming reality.

Contractors for the Environment Agency have begun ground investigations at various sites related to the scheme which aims to improve the town's protection from tidal surge flooding from the current one in 50 chance to one in 300.

Some of the work will take place at Boston Port.

Expected to take up to eight weeks to complete, the investigations include drilling boreholes on land and in the River Haven to determine the make-up of the ground before design options are drawn up.

Environment Agency coastal manager Mike Dugher told the Target: "The works are a vital step towards the proposed Boston Barrier and Haven flood protection improvement schemes.

"We know from history that coastal flooding is a very real danger and climate change may increase that threat.

"However, the coast is better protected now than at any time in the past and, although we can never stop all flooding happening, the Environment Agency will do all it can to prevent flooding. That is where the barrier scheme and Haven works come in.

"These initial ground investigation works are necessary to ensure the final design of the scheme is as effective in helping to prevent flooding and improving the river for navigation as it can be.

"We realise they may cause some disruption to people living and working in the town and using the river but they will help to safeguard the future prosperity of the area.

"We will be on site at any given location for only a short time and will let people who may be affected by the drilling operations know in advance of them starting."

Sites involved include the port, Black Sluice Lock, Wyberton Low Road, Custom House Quay, South Street near to Haven Bridge, Doughty Quay Wharf car park, High Street, South Quay car park, South End, London Road, Haven Bank, Witham Place and Wormgate.

Carried out by Vinci Construction UK Ltd the work will require the partial temporary closure of public space at Custom House Quay.

Parking spaces will also be reduced at Custom House Quay, Doughty Quay Wharf and South Quay.