A city councillor has suggested a movable barrier could be used to stop high tides after research showed several parts of Southampton could be underwater in just over five years.

Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, said a £41m scheme - the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme (RIFAS) - has been funded to stop flooding.

It comes after research by Climate Central forecasts parts of the city, including Westquay shopping centre, Ocean Village and St Mary’s Stadium, could all be underwater by the end of the decade.

The interactive map shows areas across the world that are set to feel the impact of rising sea levels in the next decade.

Other areas that could be underwater in the next six years include Riverside Park, Northam Estate and IKEA on West Quay Road.

READ MORE: Map shows Westquay, St Mary's and IKEA could be underwater within six years

Cllr Keogh said RIFAS will protect hundreds of homes and businesses from flooding. It was approved by councillors in 2021.

Members gave the project the green light to invest £10m into the scheme while the remaining £32m is to be funded by the Environment Agency.

It would see the replacement of the quay wall at Drivers Wharf in Northam and the construction of frontline defences at the site.

Although plans are still in the design stage, Cllr Keough said it could be that sections of the river bank could have a permanent wall whereas others might have movable barriers.

He said: "Part of the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme could be a permanent wall in sections.

"But there may be others where it might be some form of moveable barrier when you're facing high tide.

"There may be sections when you have a high tide come it can be pulled across [the river]."

He stressed the importance of having more data so that the relevant agencies can make the right decision.

He said: “There are challenges and clearly as more data is developed it will identify areas which could be at risk of impact.

“We are conscious that we have to be as up-to-date as possible and make sure we are doing the work that takes to mitigate those risks.”

He added: “Clearly this is an area the national government agencies are working with local authorities to see what plans are in place and how they need to be adapted to make sure it reflects the data.”

He added: “This is a national challenge and this is an issue which will be faced by many local authorities.

“It’s a national problem and will require a national solution and we have to recognise it will be an expensive solution.”