A BARRIER which stops parts of north-east Essex from being flooded will open for members of the public to look around.
The Colne Barrier is operated by the Environment Agency to protect low-lying areas of Colchester, Wivenhoe and Rowhedge.
Staff will be on hand to offer guided tours on Tuesday, and explain how it works.
The open day is part of Exercise Watermark – a national exercise testing the country’s ability to deal with floods.
Karl Watson, Environment Agency operations delivery manager for Essex, said the barrier provides the same level of protection as the Thames Barrier does for London.
He added: “This is a rare chance for people to see the inner workings of the barrier and to see the gates in operation.”
The barrier, off Walter Radcliffe Way, Wivenhoe, will be open between 10am and 3pm.
Guided tours will be given at 10.30am, noon and 2pm. Places on the tours will be limited and on a first come, first served basis.
For safety reasons, the Environment Agency says the tours are not suitable for wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties or under 16s.
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