A NEW SPILLWAY is nearing completion on the Toddbrook Reservoir that feeds the Peak Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge.
Hasty evacuation
It was back in 2019 that is all gave way, causing an hasty evacuation of houses in its path, the resulting investigation eventually showing the failure was though lack of maintenance.
Work has been going on for three years, but Canal & river Trust maintain it will be finished by the end of the year.
There was some concern that the work on the new spillway should go out to tender, but it was given to the trust's contractors' Keir.
At the time of the dam failure, Chinook helicopters were brought in by the RAF to drop material on the breach to slow its emptying and give people time to get away from its path.
Seven years to complete
All in all, the repair will have taken seven years to complete, but eventually the Todbrook Reservoir will again be supplying water to both Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals.
And used for sailing, angling and picnics.