Final safety checks carried out on port's refurbished tidal barrier

Work on the 212-tonne structure, which protects more than 17,000 properties in the city, began last year and has been carried out in summer when there is less danger from tidal surges.

It is the first major overhaul of the barrier in its 30-year history, and after completing the main part of the work engineers are now carrying out final safety checks.

Work has included the installation of a new drive mechanism – which lifts and lowers the barrier – and every bolt and rivet on the steel gate has been checked and replaced if necessary.

The barrier, which has become a landmark, was built in 1980 in response to the last severe tidal flooding to hit the city, in 1969.

Peter Holmes, the Environment Agency's area operations manager, said: "The Hull tidal barrier is one of the country's key flood defence structures and a vitally important tool in protecting the people, homes and businesses of the city of Hull from flooding from the North Sea.

"Without the barrier the consequences for the city could be extremely serious, and we need to make sure it runs as smoothly and reliably as possible."