All residents of Whaley Bridge allowed to return home after fears dam could collapse

DUE to torrential rainfall, authorities were worried that the Victorian Dam at the Toddbrook Reservoir above the town of Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire could collapse and some 1,500 people were evacuated from their homes last week.

Now, thanks to work undertaken by emergency services to pump out as much as almost 20 per cent of the water in the reservoir as well as removing 30,000 fish, Derbyshire Police now consider that the area is unlikely to be flooded and after a few householders were allowed back on Tuesday, everyone was given the ok to return this afternoon (Wednesday).

Local MP for High Peak, Ruth George has visited the reservoir and confirmed that the water level has dropped dramatically justifying the return and the local council has already pledged £160,000 (€173,000) to help residents and businesses to recover.

The dam will continue to be monitored but it is hoped that there will be no further problems, unless heavy rain returns to the area again.