Homes should receive protection from flooding after the public voted to carry out £175,000 of improvements at a wetland.

The Firs Farm Wetland, in Winchmore Hill, received more than 2,000 of the 10,000 votes in the Mayor of London's big green fund scheme.

The cash will pay for improvements to the wetland and reduce the risk of flooding to more than 100 homes as well as restoring a 500m stretch of river in the park.

Councillor Chris Bond, Enfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “This is the most fantastic news for Firs Farm Park and we couldn’t have done it without the tireless work and support of the friends of Firs Farm Park.

"This money will see vital work taking place to build a flood relief scheme and cycle path to improve Firs Farm Park for visitors and make even more accessible so even more people can enjoy it. We have the support of our partners the Environment Agency, Thames Water, Sustrans and Thames 21.”

The Mayor of London added: “London is now home to more people than ever before and we need to improve our green spaces to accommodate our growing population and support our economy. We have received incredible interest in the Big Green Fund from every corner of London and are delighted that we can fund this fantastic project.”

Simon Hughes, the Environment Agency’s deputy director for London, said: “The Big Green Fund is a great way to improve Londoners’ local environment and achieve other benefits such as helping to reduce flood risk.”