Tidal barrier construction aided by barge arrival

An "exciting milestone" has been reached in the construction of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in Somerset after the arrival of a new working platform.

A jack-up barge - a stable working platform - arrived from Liverpool on Thursday for works on the tidal barrier.

The Haven Seaseven will enable construction of the cofferdam, an enclosure pumped dry to allow work below the water level, and bearing piles for the barrier's foundations.

Rachel Burden, from the Environment Agency, said: "The jack-up barge is a critical piece of infrastructure and its arrival in Bridgwater marks an exciting milestone in the construction of what will be one of the biggest flood defence schemes in the country."

The journey from Liverpool Docks, which began on 27 February, required careful planning, taking into account optimal tides, Somerset Council said.

En route, the barge docked at Barry Port where a 300-tonne crane was loaded, before continuing its journey to Bridgwater.

The tidal barrier will protect 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses from tidal flooding in Bridgwater and nearby communities from 2027.

The scheme comprises the tidal barrier, operational site with control building and store, downstream flood banks at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich, and 12 upstream sites with improved fish and eel passage.

Somerset councillor Mike Rigby said: "As we see more frequent severe weather, anything that reduces the flood risk in the county is welcome, alongside work to help communities adapt and become more resilient to flooding."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.