OBSERVER: Barrier doesn't sound imminent

It’s almost three years since the flood which caused so much devastation to the town and shortly after we were told ‘immediate’ action was to be taken to make sure the town would be better protected in the future.

Sure enough – and quite surprisingly for Boston – news came that we were to have a barrier which would protect us, and in addition it was hoped to have a constant water level throughout the town up to the Sluice Bridge which would give the area the chance to have a ‘waterside development’ with a marina-type facility for pleasure craft.

But that was three years ago: after all the hype comes the reality. There’s to be an inquiry into the scheme apparently because the fishermen – quite rightly – have expressed concerns about where the barrier is to go and the impact on their livelihood.

The only thing is we know how long these inquiries can take, then there’s the result, perhaps an appeal, then the construction. And it appears the idea of the ‘development’ has gone by the board. Let’s hope we don’t have another flood in the meantime!

The other thing of note was from my favourite literature – the council website.

We are being given the chance to take part in Boston’s big night out next week. It’s coming up to Christmas market time and volunteers are wanted to play music.

In addition we are reminded: “Don’t forget the regular stall market held in the Market Place every Wednesday and Saturday, and Bargate Green market on Wednesday, come rain or shine.” That could be interesting as last Wednesday it rained and the market was almost non-existent!

After my pleas about the state of the park, I see the council is removing the shrubs along Tawney Street entrance ‘in response to anti-social behaviour; and the hedge around the (Jubilee) gardens has not established well so this will be removed to make it cleaner and more open for future improvement’. Cynic that I am, will this give more scope for yet another gold award?