Edmonton MP Andy Love says the decision to install a £15million flood prevention scheme is “great news” for people in Edmonton.

Enfield Borough Council granted planning permission to the Environment Agency on Monday, allowing flood defences in Enfield to be built to reduce the risk of flooding from Salmons Brook.

According to the Environment Agency, the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to nearly 1,4000 homes in Edmonton from a one in 20 chance per year to a one in 75 chance.

The demand for the project came after 192 Edmonton homes were damaged when Salmons Brook burst its banks in October 2000.

The Labour MP said: “In October 2000, so many families in Edmonton had their homes and possessions destroyed by the floods. 

"Many were unable to afford buildings and contents insurance and it has taken them years to rebuild their lives.

“For 12 years, those families have waited patiently for flood prevention work to be carried out so they no longer have to live in fear of when the next bout of heavy rain may cause Salmons Brook to burst its banks again. This decision is great news for them.”

The completed project will also see raised flood defences on both banks between Plevna Road and Montagu Road in Edmonton and a new flood storage area in Montagu Recreation Ground, which will be used if flooding occurs.

In the event of heavy rain, excess flood waters will also be stored upstream at Enfield Golf Club and Cheyne Walk Open Space in Enfield Chase once a grassed embankment has been created across Salmons Brook.