gummer supported completion of a £58 million small thames barrier scheme started in 2009 and designed to protect 1,500 homes and 400 businesses against a 1 in 300 year flood. according to david ellesmere, borough council leader, funding for key work worth £38 million had seemed unlikely until ipswich borough provided additional cash. the scheme, regarded as "vital for the town centre" was due to start in july 2014.