Whaley Bridge latest: Dam explorers risk injury and becoming trapped, warn firefighters

A helicopter drops sandbags on the damaged dam.
EPA
Bonnie Christian16 August 2019

Firefighters have warned against people exploring the damaged dam in Whaley Bridge - saying they risk injury and may become trapped.

After more than 1,500 people were evacuated from the town since August 1, Derbyshire Police said stability of the dam wall at Toddbrook Reservoir had been achieved at 1pm on August 7 and people could return to their homes.

But Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said they are aware of people exploring the reservoir and have recommended visitors stay out.

The fire service said the presence of mud, silt and debris meant that people should avoid the reservoir to "prevent injury or becoming trapped".

Whaley Bridge dam - In pictures

1/36

The day after residents were told they could return home, children could be seen playing on swings in Whaley Bridge Memorial Park situated just below the damaged dam.

In a tweet, the fire service said: "We are aware that people are exploring the newly exposed reservoir bed at Toodbrook Reservoir in WhaleyBridge.

"Due to the presence of mud, silt & debris, we strongly recommend that people stay out of the area to prevent injury or becoming trapped. Stay safe."

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in