Boston's £45m flood barrier site announced

The barrier would protect 10,000 homes and about 900 businesses from flooding, the agency said

The preferred location for a new £45m flood barrier in Lincolnshire has been announced by the Environment Agency.

Boston's barrier is to be built in the River Haven close to the Black Sluice pumping station if agency plans receive government funding.

The flood defence would protect about 10,000 homes and 900 businesses in the area and construction could begin in 2016, the agency said.

A bid for funding will be submitted in early 2012.

Andy Baxendale, from the Environment Agency, said: "The barrier will not only help reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of homes and businesses.

"It will also provide opportunities to regenerate Boston's waterways and will help achieve the Fens Waterways Link vision to connect the cathedral cities of Lincoln, Ely and Peterborough."

Eddy Poll, from Lincolnshire County Council, said: "The barrier should encourage tourism and regeneration throughout Boston town centre and Lincolnshire as a whole."

Peter Bedford, leader of Boston Borough Council, added: "At this stage we need to present the proposals to the Boston community and help the Environment Agency take on board any local concerns and issues."

Local residents will have the opportunity to find out more about the project at a series of drop-in sessions in the town centre in November.