Footpaths around Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge set to reopen as temporary repair project nears completion

A temporary repair project to make the damaged spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir safe is due to be completed in the next few weeks.
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And once this part of the project at the Whaley Bridge site is completed, some of the footpaths around the reservoir will be reopened to the public until spring 2021, when the permanent repair works begin.

The Canal and River Trust, which looks after the reservoir, has also announced that Arup have been appointed as design consultants for the permanent repairs.

More than 1,500 residents in Whaley Bridge had to leave their homes for several days over fears the dam could collapse, after damage to the spillway was first discovered last August.

An RAF Chinook helicopter drops bags of aggregate on the damaged section of spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir. Photo - Getty ImagesAn RAF Chinook helicopter drops bags of aggregate on the damaged section of spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir. Photo - Getty Images
An RAF Chinook helicopter drops bags of aggregate on the damaged section of spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir. Photo - Getty Images

Work that has already been undertaken has seen the dam’s waterproof clay core made more effective by the installation of a concrete ‘cut off beam’ and an enhanced crest wall along the top of the dam.

The new features ensure the spillway is secure against extreme weather events and will remain in place until the end of the permanent reconstruction project which is likely to take around three years and cost more than £10 million.

The temporary repair project is due to be finished by early August with engineers currently completing the finishing touches with the installation of new pressure relief holes and joint repairs. Excess rainwater falling in the reservoir continues to be removed by on-site pumps and the reservoir will remain drained until the permanent reconstruction project is finished in.

The broken section of the spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir - taken in August 2019. Photo - Jason ChadwickThe broken section of the spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir - taken in August 2019. Photo - Jason Chadwick
The broken section of the spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir - taken in August 2019. Photo - Jason Chadwick

Daniel Greenhalgh, Canal & River Trust North West regional director, said: “We are delighted to have completed this first phase in the restoration of Toddbrook Reservoir. We have had to cope with some challenging operating conditions but we can confirm the dam spillway is totally secure against any extreme weather event.

“We are currently examining a range of potential repair options and the views of local residents are a key part of the decision-making process. We are planning to host a public consultation event in late summer and then confirm the preferred option in the autumn.”

The first phase of the permanent works will begin in spring 2021 at the Todd Brook inlet channel at the head of the reservoir. After the emergency in August 2019, the masonry weir was raised by the installation of mesh baskets filled with sandbags. These will be replaced by a new flow management structure and a footbridge.

Toddbrook Reservoir. Photo - Canal and River TrustToddbrook Reservoir. Photo - Canal and River Trust
Toddbrook Reservoir. Photo - Canal and River Trust

High Peak MP Robert Largan said: “It’s good news that the temporary repair at Toddbrook Reservoir has now been completed.

"It’s essential that we crack on with the full repair as soon as possible. I’m regularly discussing this with both Ministers and the Canal & River Trust and I’m keen to ensure that we don’t just repair the reservoir but make it even better, looking at the possibility of a hydro scheme and a circular path, that could be of huge benefit to future generations in Whaley Bridge."

Information about dates and venue for the public consultation will be posted on the Canal and River Trust website in the next few weeks.