More Homes Evacuated as Toddbrook Reservoir Wall Crisis Deepens
Residents near Toddbrook Reservoir face fresh evacuations as urgent work continues on the unstable dam wall at Whaley Bridge. Authorities moved quickly to empty more homes downstream amid fears the reservoir could burst.
Emergency Evacuations Underway
A number of properties in flood risk zones around Furness Vale and New Mills have been ordered to evacuate. Police say they have contacted all affected residents or are in the process of doing so. Road closures remain in place to keep the public safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Kem Mehmet addressed concerns: “We understand people don’t want to leave their homes, but safety comes first. This evacuation is essential in this fast-moving emergency. It’s not a decision taken lightly.”
He added a dedicated evacuation centre is open at Chapel High School, Chapel-en-le-Frith, offering shelter for those with nowhere else to go.
Major Road Closures in Effect
- Whaley Bridge: A5004 junction with B5470, Reservoir Road next to dam wall, Old Road junction with Bings Road and Whaley Lane junction with Orchard Road
- Buxton: A5004 Manchester Road junction with A53
- Chapel-en-le-Frith: A6 dual carriageway traffic island junction with A624 Forresters Way and Bowden Lane
- Bridgemont: A5004 Buxton Road traffic island junction with A6 and A6 Buxton Road junction with B6062
- Buxworth: B6062 New Road junction with Station Road and Brookside
- Furness Vale: Furness Vale junction with Furness Lodge Close and Marsh Lane, Gowhole junction with Ladypit Road
- New Mills: Old Smithy Road cul-de-sac with A6015 Albion Road, Albion Road/Church Road junction with B6101 Union Road, Church Road junction with Hyde Bank Road and Edensor Way, Union Road junction with Back Union Road, Station Road cul-de-sac with Hague Bar Road
- Hague Bar and Disley: Waterside Road and Lower Hague/Hague Bar Road
- Strines: B6101 Strines Road junction with Station Road
- Hazel Grove: A6 London Road/Buxton Road junction with A523 Macclesfield Road
Stay Alert and Follow Official Advice
ACC Mehmet urged everyone in the risk zones to follow police instructions without delay. “Heeding our advice is vital for everyone’s safety during this unprecedented crisis,” he said.
As emergency crews battle to shore up the reservoir wall, locals remain on edge, praying the dam holds.
