Evacuations Underway as Toddbrook Reservoir Wall Faces Risk
Further evacuations are taking place downstream of Toddbrook Reservoir amid urgent efforts to shore up the reservoir’s crumbling wall. A handful of homes near Whaley Bridge, specifically in Furness Vale and New Mills, have been ordered to clear out due to flood risks.
Residents Told to Flee Flood Danger Zones
Police have contacted, or are in the process of contacting, everyone in the danger zone. Several roads in the area are now shut to keep people safe. The highest-risk residents in Whaley Bridge have been urged to leave their homes without delay.
Assistant Chief Constable Kem Mehmet said: “We understand that residents will be concerned about leaving their homes, however, our priority is to ensure people are kept safe and well and are not taking unnecessary risks. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly and we appreciate that there is a significant impact on this community, however, this is an unprecedented, fast-moving, emergency situation.”
“An evacuation point is set up at Chapel High School, Long Lane, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, where residents can find shelter if they cannot make other arrangements. We urge everyone to follow police advice for their own safety.”
Key Road Closures Hit the Area
- Whaley Bridge – A5004 junction with B5470
- Whaley Bridge – Old Road junction with Bings Road
- Whaley Bridge – Reservoir Road near Toddbrook Dam wall
- Whaley Bridge – 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
- Buxworth – B6062 New Road junction with Station Road and Brookside
- Furness Vale – Furness Vale junction with Furness Lodge Close
- New Mills – Multiple junctions including Albion Road, Church Road, Union Road, and Station Road
- Hague Bar, Disley, Strines, Hazel Grove – Various key junctions and roads also closed
The flood threat remains acute as engineers race to secure the reservoir. Locals are urged to stay alert and abide by all safety instructions.
