RESIDENTS had the chance to have their say on Bridgwater's proposed new tidal barrier at a consultation held at the Bridgwater Arts Centre.

A previous consultation was held in March, and this time the seven locations had been whittled down to five, with the Environment Agency highlighting two preferred sites.

There was feedback on the previous consultation and more information about the two types of barrier that are possible for the site.

The Environment Agency worked with Sedgemoor District Council and consultants CH2MHILL to produce answers to the top five concerns raised at the previous consultation.

What will a barrier look like? And would it affect the appearance of the river in the town?

There are two types of barrier, one similar to the Thames Barrier or one like the Hull Barrier. Any barrier won't alter the appearance of the river through the town.

Which solution provides the highest protection from flooding?

Each solution would provide a similar high standard of protection against flooding, by combining a tidal barrier

with improved tidal flood banks downstream.

Would construction of the barrier alter future development of the town?

Yes. Improved flood protection for the town is important for business confidence to retain and attract investment

and growth into the area. Sedgemoor District Council and the Environment Agency aim to ensure that both

existing properties and new development in Bridgwater will be protected from high tide levels in the future. A tidal barrier is a key part of this plan.

Will a barrier affect nature and the environment?

There are relatively few environmental issues associated with a tidal surge barrier as the barrier gates would only be closed relatively infrequently, when required to protect against flooding. A tidal barrier would have less impact on the natural environment than other potential flood defence solutions.

Will the tidal barrier be combined with a road?

To incorporate a road would mean that the design and construction would be more complex, it would take longer

and make the delivery of the barrier less certain. A cost saving by merging the two aspirations cannot be

guaranteed.

So we are not planning to add a road crossing to the tidal barrier. However, we have not ruled out altering the

barrier project if the funding and permissions required for other aspirations are provided in time.

The Environment Agency say the barrier is required because the town's old defences may not be adequate in the long term.

The barrier will help protect against wall collapse like the one in 2011, or very high tides overflowing, as well as adding further protection for the levels and increasing the attractiveness for developers in the town.

The two types of gate being considered are a rising sector gate like the Thames Barrier, or a vertical lift gate like the Hull Barrier.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "A rising sector gate is a curved gate which normally sits in a recess in the base of the structure. The gate is driven via the circular panels at either end.

"When required the gate is rotated from its recess into the closed position.

"The gate can also be rotated out of the water for maintenance. In its open position the gate allows boats to navigate through the structure.

"Vertical lift gates have been used extensively around the world for tidal surge barriers.

They involve the raising and lowering of a vertically mounted gate between two large towers which contain the lifting equipment.

"The gate can be designed to lay horizontally in the raised position which can reduce visual impact.

"The gate can be raised high enough to allow boats to navigate through the structure."

The two preferred sites are Sites 4 and 5, Site 4 is the area of land to the left of Bristol road as you pass Express Park and before you reach the Dunball Wharf, while Site 5 opposite the Express Park near Chilton Trinity.

The barrier would be larger at Site 4 but also provide better flood protection and is 500m from the nearest residential property.

Site 5 would be able to use existing access roads to the east bank from the Express Park rather than create a new road but is only 175m from the nearest residential property.

Site 4 is estimated to cost between £65m-£80m while Site 5 would be considerably cheaper, estimated at between £45m-£65m.

The key project milestones are:

- Selection of the preferred barrier location late 2016

- Development of the barrier and flood defences to outline design stage by Spring 2017

- Consultation on the preferred option Spring 2017

- Submission of the business case for approval Summer 2017

- Submission of the TWAO June 2018

- Approval of the TWAO and final funding approval 2020

- Scheme detailed design 2021-2022

- Scheme construction 2022-2024

Funding for the project is through the Environment Agency, Sedgemoor District Council, the Heart of the South West local enterprise partnership and is supported by the Somerset Rivers Authority.

For those who missed last week's consultation, there will be an information point in Angel Place Shopping Centre during the morning of Saturday, September 24.