The ruling Conservatives came within a whisker of losing a seat on Enfield Council last week.

One of their three Turkey Street seats was up for grabs in a by election - and was retained by just a three-vote lead to Matthew Laban.

Cllr Laban was cabinet member for housing until he was ousted from his Chase Ward seat in the May elections by Save Chase Farm candidate Kate Wilkinson.

His predecessor Margaret Holt, who only won the Turkey Street seat in May, resigned to spend more time looking after her young son.

Labour MP for Enfield North, Joan Ryan, said she believed the Tories were nearly trounced because of the party's plans to sell off more community assets following the sale of Carterhatch Lane recycling depot and Reservoir Hall in Oakwood.

She said: "Labour came within an inch of taking the seat and the Tories clung on by their fingernails. They should take note that their plans for a massive sell-off of community assets and land are viewed badly by Enfield residents. The Turkey Street voters proved that."

Cllr Laban admitted the recycling depot sell-off decision was unpopular because it was taken too quickly.

He said: "That decision was taken far too hastily and that did have a big impact.

"I was relieved to get back in. The Conservative group on the council needs to make sure it does not take the residents of Turkey Street and north Enfield for granted."

He said it would be up to council leader Cllr Mike Rye whether he could have a place back in the cabinet.

Defeated Labour candidate Derek Levy said: "I would like to thank the people of Turkey Street for making me feel welcome." He did not wish to comment on the result.

The composition of the council is now Conservative, 34, Labour, 27 and Save Chase Farm, two.

The turnout was 24.77 per cent.