It is exactly three years since parts of Whaley Bridge were evacuated after emergency services declared a major incident at Toddbrook Reservoir. 

The RAF joined the operation and dropped 600 one-tonne bags of aggregate onto the damaged section of the spillway.  

In total, almost 1,500 people left their homes for six nights back in August 2019 as work was carried out to drain the reservoir. 

Earlier this year, planning approval was granted by High Peak Borough Council to proposals to restore and repair the dam. 

Expected to cost up to £16 million, the scheme features major construction work including a new concrete channel across the body of the dam.  

An artist impression of the Toddbrook Reservoir restoration. Image: The Canal & River Trust. 

The changes mean the existing facilities used by Toddbrook Sailing Club will be demolished and replaced by a new clubhouse in a different location. 

Preparatory works are under way, and the main construction phase of the two-year project is expected to start this autumn. 

MP Robert Largan said: “The construction is clearly going to be very disruptive, especially for residents on Reservoir Road.  

“I’ll be working with residents and the Canal & River Trust to try to minimise disruption as much as possible.”  

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