This is motivated by rising sea levels threatening the Fens.

The proposed barrier would stretch 11 miles, from near Hunstanton to the Lincolnshire shore.

It is not the first time a Wash barrier has been envisaged.

The modern concept is highly possible and would involve superior technical methods.

Apart from the Fens of South Lincolnshire, the Wash barrier would also protect the Fens of West Norfolk and the Cambridgeshire Fens.

And, it is conceivable, that Wisbech, for instance, would no longer be in danger of high water flooding as in the past.

The consortium also conceived the possibility of building generating plants adjoining the barrier, powered by water turbines working on the rise and fall of tides.

A barrier would allow access to deep water channels for ships entering rivers Witham (Boston), Welland (Fosdyke), Nene (Sutton Bridge and Wisbech) and the Great Ouse (King's Lynn).

Bearing in mind rising sea levels, water on the land side of the barrier would be controllable and the life of existing sea embankments protecting the Fens, some dating from medieval times, extended.

A Wash barrier is an exciting proposition and, with the new super pumps in course of construction at Wiggenhall, would ensure greater expectancy of survival within the Fen region.

Already the Wash barrier proposal is causing concern among conservationists fearful that the wildlife around the shoreline would be endangered. It is right and proper to be concerned but it is reasonable to believe that alternative habitats would be provided.

The preservation of the Fens, its people and industries is of even greater concern and it is refreshing to think that, at a time when parts of the East Anglian coastline and inland villages are facing abandonment to the sea, some people are thinking positively for the future conservation of the Fens.

TREVOR BEVIS,
St Peter's Road,
March.