A completion date has been set for a flood defence project aimed at protecting high-risk homes near a lake. 

The £1.8m scheme at Highams Park Lake, off Charter Road in Woodford Green, has taken almost six months to complete with contractors set to leave the site by March 10. 

Up to 20 lorries a day have come and gone from the site, carrying up to 5,000 cubic metres of silt was removed from the lake during a seven-week excavation operation, and large areas of woodland have been opened up. 

The existing dam at the lake, which was created back in 1794 by famous landscape designer Humphrey Repton in 1794, has been reinforced by embedding a textile underneath the soil and grass behind a footpath to contain overflow and prevent erosion which could cause flooding.

The Michael Mallison Centre - a historic boathouse previously threatened with demolition is now protected by a 1.2m brick-clad floodwall and a new narrower footbridge has been installed.   

Waltham Forest South Scouts District has used the centre for water sports activities for over 30 years.

Geoff Sinclair, head of operations for Epping Forest at the City of London Corporation, said: "The dam works are in the final stages with contractors set to finish on March 10. 

"We were very apprehensive at the start because it was a big project for us but the local community have been very supportive with many volunteers helping to clear the woodland. 

"We have addressed concerns about the foul smell at the northern end of the lake and dredging works have removed a third of the silt. 

"Areas around the lake have been opened up for the first time, allowing people to see and appreciate the landscape a bit more. 

"It is a huge improvement on protecting residents from any potential flood risk."

Final works to be carried out include reinstating the security fence around the boathouse and planting new trees and shrubs, together with a new footpath, bike stands and benches by the landing stage area.