Ipswich's flood barrier viewpoint opens five years after completion

The flood barrier cost £67m to build and will protect 1,600 homes

A viewing area for a town's flood barrier has opened - five years after it was built.

The £67m tidal defence barrier in Ipswich was completed in February 2019, alongside a public view point at New Cut East.

The area, owned by the Environment Agency, had since remained closed for undisclosed reasons.

Project executive Andrew Osborne said the agency was "delighted" to see it open to the public.

"The space was created as part of the tidal project, which protects more than 1,600 homes and 400 business from flooding, and benefits from seating and river views," he said.

The viewing platform overlooks the River Orwell

The Environment Agency paid 80% of the costs of the project, which was opened by Suffolk Coastal Conservative MP Therese Coffey, and will defend the town from tidal surges up the River Orwell

The viewing platform has been named Griffin Wharf.

Associated British Ports (ABP), which manages the Port of Ipswich, said the area would allow everyone to see the barrier close up and enjoy views of the Orwell Bridge.

Paul Ager, divisional port manager at ABP, said: "We are pleased to have been able to support the safe opening of Griffin Wharf."

He said temporary fencing ensured safe public access to the area, but that ABP was "actively engaging" with partners to implement a permanent fencing solution.