Peak District town evacuated as dam threatens to burst

Whaley Bridge residents told to leave homes as heavy rain overfills reservoir

A Peak District town was being evacuated on Thursday afternoon as a reservoir above it threatened to burst.

Residents of Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, were told to leave their homes and make arrangements to stay with friends or family “for a number of days” after severe downpours damaged the dam holding back the Toddbrook reservoir, leaving it at risk of collapse.