Following 8 inches of rainfall in the last 4 days, the dam at Toddbrook reservoir in Whaley Bridge is at risk of collapsing. Experts have been called in to assess the structure, which has started to collapse in sections. If the dam does collapse, this puts large areas of Whaley Bridge and other small towns in the High Peak at risk of flooding.
The Environment Agency have issued a “Severe flood warning”, at the river Goyt in Whaley Bridge, meaning severe flooding is a real possibility from this. Although a full collapse is not a definite – this is a life threatening event.
The Environment agency say “River levels in the River Goyt could rise rapidly as a result of water coming from Toddbrook Reservoir on 01/08/2019 at 14:00. Evacuation plans are currently underway for the area of Whaley Bridge. If you believe that you are in immediate danger, please call 999. Please be aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with the current situation, and avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses.”
Update from Derbyshire Police at 2.15pm Thursday 1 August:
EVACUATION OF WHALEY BRIDGE
Whaley Bridge is being evacuated due to the ongoing situation at Toddbrook Reservoir.
If you are being asked to leave your home then please attend Chapel High School, Long Lane, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 0TQ, where further direction will be given.
Police officers and staff will be at the school to provide further direction, though at this time we are not sure how long the evacuation will take.
Residents are asked to make alternative arrangements to stay with friends and family, ensure that any pets are taken with them and that all medication that may be needed for a number of days is taken with them.
If people do not have somewhere to go then they will be accommodated, however, there is limited capacity to do so.
If you are unable to leave your own home and require assistance please contact 101 and ask for the police.
The dam may not collapse, but it’s definitely not worth taking the risk.
Police have apparently closed roads into Whaley Bridge, which is a small town in Derbyshire in the High Peak.
Any further updates will follow in the coming hours.