Plans for tidal barrier branded ‘pie in the sky silliness’ by Spalding area readers

A multi-billion pound project to create a port and tidal barrage in The Wash has been branded as a ‘stupid idea’ by readers.

Lincolnshire entrepreneur James Sutcliffe has shared his optimism that the £3-4 billion Centre Port project, which would include the world's first tidal-powered deep-sea container terminal, could be up and running in roughly seven years to 10 years.

A road across The Wash to connect Lincolnshire and Norfolk could be created as part of new structure, which also aims to offer flood protection for homes in Lincolnshire and to create tidal power.

But this ‘pie in the sky level silliness’ project has not gone down well with our readers who shared concerns about the impact on the environment surrounding The Wash - which benefits from a number of special protections.

Nick Jones, who is the project director of Transported Arts, took to our our Facebook page to say: “A ridiculous idea that would undermine the wonderful, unique wash environment, one of the most important marine ecologies in the world.

While Peter John Tyers posted: “What a total waste of money. Why not have ports at both Skegness and Hunstanton - don't say it can't be done as there used to be a ferry between the two plus it would have less impact on the environment and nature.”

The project was branded ‘a stupid’ idea by Greg Weedon who highlighted that the A16 and A17 are ‘already struggling’. He added: “It will ruin the wash marshes and wildlife. It will also take away trade from King’s Lynn, Sutton Bridge and Wisbech ports.”

Sharon Lyon Price added: “It will totally ruin the marshes and habitats! Not even a good idea for the beaches and tourism either - leave it all alone!”

Gary Trueman brought up the Spalding Western Relief Road which currently does not have funding allocated to complete the later sections.

He posted: “Meanwhile the road to nowhere is being mothballed because of overspending and a lack of funding.

“This is pie in the sky level silliness. Can you imagine the cost, impact on local wildlife and liklihood it'd end up wrecked by one good storm?”

Darren Green slammed the scheme as an ‘utter farce’.

He said: “There is more than enough container capacity on the south east coast by means of Felixstowe, Thamesport London Gateway and Southampton. All this hilarious project relates to is a huge vanity project that will never happen. No doubt some dubious consultancy firms will spring up and make their wad of cash.”

Spalding Civic Society chairman John Bland: “This would completely destroy the special nature of The Wash and the fenlands that surround it.

“The Wash is a national nature reserve and is the most important wetland site in the country, and is also protected by the international convention on wetlands signed in Ramsar in 1971, having been designated in 1988.

“This proposal significantly harms the relatively untapped tourist potential offered by The Wash, and could undermine the resorts of Skegness and Hunstanton.

“It should be completely ruled out at the earliest opportunity.”

Dave McGarry said it was a ‘nice idea’ but doubted that it would come to pass.

While Roland Hare stated: “I wonder if the people behind the Suez canal had the same negativity.

“Going forward if it stops tidal surges and flooding of the greater wash area along with Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, it should be a serious debate. As for habitat yes it will have a knock on effect, if it reduces house insurance premiums with the reduction of flooding threat that's a plus.

“If it opens up the inner wash to a reasonably safe boating area and transfer without tidal influence to our four great rivers and their connections that has to be good.

“If it also brings in a tidal flow eco electricity system that's definitely a plus and ultimately bins anymore offshore wind turbine development blighting the large skies we share that's got to be a bonus, connecting Norfolk to Lincolnshire coast with a road network that has to be a plus.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below…