A public footpath and cycleway in Southgate has been reopened.

The Cheyne Walk Open space, in Grange Park, has been closed since May 2013 when the Environment Agency began work on Salmons Brook to alleviate flooding.

David Borrowes, Enfield Southgate MP, cut the ribbon to reopen the space.

He said “It is important to mark the significant flood alleviation scheme and, as far as my constituents are concerned, the relief that completion is in sight. My constituents can now look forward to using this valued open space again. ”

The construction work at Cheyne Walk, and at the adjacent Enfield Golf Club, has provided a flood storage area to hold back heavy flows in the Salmons Brook when there is heavy rainfall.

Caroline Douglass, area manager for Hertfordshire and North London, who hosted the event, said: “I am pleased that we could mark the hand back of the pathway and cycleway to local residents. We are aware that such major construction work can cause local disruption and thank residents for their patience.

“I can assure residents that we will continue to maintain a presence on the site while completing the landscaping work. In the meantime we are protecting the newly planted grass to ensure it gets well established. The open space will be restored fully in the next few months and then the public will be able to enjoy it to the full.”