Traders determined to 'bounce back' after dam crisis

Traders in a town that avoided catastrophic flooding are urging visitors to return now repair work is drawing to a close.

More than 1,000 homes were evacuated as fire crews battled to pump water from Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, in 2019, before relieved residents were allowed to return after days of worry.

The RAF used twin-rotor Chinook helicopters to drop bags of aggregate on to the slipway of the damaged reservoir dam, which had threatened to give way.

Traders have told the BBC the high street has struggled during repair works but they are determined to bounce back.

The reservoir has now been redesigned as part of a three-year programme of work and is expected to be filled with water again this year.

Sweet shop owner Maggie Nolan has a grandstand view of the repair works to Toddbrook Reservoir. The large windows in her house overlook the site where the finishing touches to the huge repair job are being made.

"It's been quite an experience and it's taking quite a long time but we're really enjoying it all progress," she said.

She is working with other traders to encourage visitors to return.

"We're more than just 'the dam town' - we've got great history and a thriving community and we are trying to work together to bring vitality back to the town."

Ruth George was the Labour MP for the area when the alarm about the dam being in danger was raised.

"It was an absolutely terrifying time," she said. "My daughter was leading the school holiday club at the foot of the dam at the time and was told to evacuate the children."

Ms George now serves as an independent county councillor in Derbyshire and is working with traders in Whaley Bridge to encourage visitors to return.

"We want to keep morale going because we've got a great amount to offer in Whaley Bridge, including the historic canal basin and lots of independent shops."

Sara Webster set up her gift shop and boutique, Ivie and Luxe, shortly before the reservoir problems hit the headlines. She said the town had been affected by a series of other challenges since.

"The railway bridge, just along from my shop, was closed for several months, essentially cutting the town in two," she said. "We've had other roadworks too, which were deterring visitors."

She is hoping 2026 will prove better for independent businesses, including a cycle shop, which will soon open opposite Whaley Bridge railway station.

"There's a lot more to Whaley than the dam - we have great walks and the Goyt Valley on our doorstep and there's a lot more here than people realise".

The Canal and River Trust said work to construct a new dam overflow spillway structure was now complete.

Further work will continue to connect the new structure to the River Goyt, refill the reservoir and return the construction site to community use again.

It added that during spring and summer 2026, the town's Memorial Park and land around the dam works, will gradually be re-levelled and re-landscaped with hundreds of new shrubs, mature trees and spring bulbs.

A new playground will be installed, replacement sailing club constructed, and the football field returned to Whaley Bridge Athletic Football Club.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.