Edmonton's £15m flood defence improvements begin
A £15m scheme to prevent flooding at properties in north London has started.
The Environment Agency will build overflow areas, raise flood defences and install a culvert along Salmons Brook in Edmonton.
The area was flooded in 1949, 1956 and 1987 and in 2000 190 properties were water-damaged, costing £2m to repair.
Enfield Council said it would monitor the work so as not to disturb residents living north of the improvements, which are due to completed by June 2014.
Protecting 2,500 homesAs part of the work water storage areas will be created to channel excess water on to Enfield Golf Course and Montagu Recreation Ground, slowing the speed and volume of water travelling down the brook.
Flood defences will also be raised along Salmons Walk.
It is hoped the improvements will protect about 2,500 households from flooding.
Councillor Chris Bond said: "We're delighted that thousands of homes in Edmonton will be protected from devastating floods.
"We will be keeping a close eye on these works and if they are causing unreasonable nuisance to residents and not following the agreed works as outlined in the planning consent we will not think twice about prosecuting."