Whaley Bridge's Toddbrook Reservoir Begins Refilling After Six Years of Repair Work |
The completion of a new reinforced concrete overflow spillway marks the end of a major repair programme following the 2019 emergency evacuation. |
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Six years after a terrifying spillway failure forced the evacuation of 1,500 Whaley Bridge homes, Toddbrook Reservoir has begun refilling with water, marking the end of one of the most significant infrastructure repair projects in the High Peak's recent history.
The reservoir, which first opened in 1840 as a feeder for the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals, came close to catastrophic collapse in August 2019 when part of its spillway broke away following heavy rain. An RAF helicopter dropped 400 bags of aggregate in an emergency operation to prevent the dam wall from giving way entirely, while residents were evacuated from their homes for several days.
A major repair programme was subsequently launched, culminating in the completion of a new reinforced concrete overflow spillway in December 2025. Following a thorough inspection by engineers, the Canal & River Trust received the go-ahead to begin the gradual refilling process in late April 2026.
The refill will be carried out in stages over a minimum of twelve weeks, with the water level held at set points to allow for ongoing assessments. Dilwyn Parry, Toddbrook project manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: "By late summer we should have reached the major milestone of returning the reservoir to its important role of supplying water to the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals and as a vital resource for the local community."
The restoration project does not end with the water. Once the reservoir has been filled, it will be restocked with fish and work will begin on a new sailing club. The former walkway across the dam wall crest is to be reinstated, with a new bridge over the spillway expected to open to the public by autumn. Plans for the town's Memorial Park, situated close to the spillway, include relandscaping with shrubs, spring bulbs and mature trees, as well as a new children's playground.
Parry added: "We are extremely grateful for the continued support and patience of local residents."
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