There's still time for people to share their views on proposals to install one of the largest floodgates in the United Kingdom in a coastal town.

People, businesses and visitors to Lowestoft are being urged to have their say as part of a £67m project that will protect thousands of homes from flooding.

With construction works to reduce the risk of flooding to more than 1,500 homes and 825 businesses in Lowestoft starting in May 2021, the Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project (FRMP) has been gathering pace.

It will see a tidal flood barrier built in Lowestoft’s outer harbour, along with tidal flood walls to the north and south of the barrier, to protect hundreds of homes, businesses and key infrastructure in the town from flooding.

In November, a public consultation was launched and drop-in events held, as people were invited to learn more about the installation of a 40m metre floodgate - with the tidal barrier the final phase of the town’s permanent flood defences.

With people encouraged to find out more about the proposals for the construction of the tidal barrier, it would be the second largest of its kind in the UK.

The 40m tidal barrier - which would be the first such structure in the UK to be built without diverting the navigation channel - is earmarked to be built in the outer harbour and is due to be completed in 2026.

The works are continuing after the Lowestoft FRMP was established following the December 2013 tidal surge to develop a way forward "to reduce the risk of flooding from the sea, rivers and from extreme rainfall".

In December 2013 the “devastating” storm surge caused havoc along the east coast – with Lowestoft one of the worst-affected communities.

Back then, 158 residential and 233 commercial properties were flooded in the Lowestoft and Oulton Broad area while tidal flooding resulted in the closure of key transportation links.

A Lowestoft FRMP spokesman said: "There are just a few days left to have your say on proposals for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Lowestoft tidal barrier."

The public consultation ends at midnight on Thursday, January 12.

You can view the proposals online at the Virtual Visitor Centre or by picking up a booklet or paper copy from the council's Riverside Building or Lowestoft Library.