Whaley Bridge: 'There is still a risk the dam will fail – please stay away'

An RAF Chinook helicopter flies in aggregate to help repair the dam at Toddbrook reservoir. Credit: PA

At a joint press conference the Assistant Chief Constable of Derbyshire Police, Kem Mehmet urged residents to continue to stay away from the area. He said there was still "a substantial threat to life" if the dam wall fails.

Credit: PA

Emergency services working to stop a damaged dam wall from giving way above a town in the Peak District have said the risk of collapse remains.

Police have been working overnight in Whaley Bridge, alongside the Environment Agency, ambulance, council workers and an RAF helicopter.

Credit: PA

Work is going on throughout the day to try to reinforce the reservoir wall and reduce the water level to allow easier access for repairs.

Assistant Chief Constable Kem Mehmet of Derbyshire Police has urged people to follow advice from emergency services and leave the area when asked to do so.

He said the evacuation was not a decision taken lightly, and "ultimately the safety of the public is our main concern."

Credit: PA

More than 1000 people have had to leave their homes.

The evacuation point at Chapel High School will remain open today and people will be accommodated if they are unable to make alternative arrangements.

Whaley Bridge resident and former politician Edwina Currie says its likely we will have to look to the future and work out how best to cope with more ferocious weather.

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