Hundreds of people in Whaley Bridge evacuated from their homes for nearly a week over concerns a reservoir wall could collapse are finally being allowed to return.
About 1,500 people were forced to leave their properties after the dam wall of Toddbrook Reservoir became damaged by heavy rainfall.
Emergency crews have been urgently pumping water out of the reservoir into the River Goyt while an RAF Chinook has been dumping bags of aggregate to seal the gap in the dam wall.
Fifty people living on Horwich End were allowed to return home last night.
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Following a final safety inspection earlier today Derbyshire Constabulary it is safe enough for the other residents to return their homes.
Officers are in the process of putting in place plans to assist residents to their homes, although road closures appear to be lifted and people could be seen walking back to their deserted homes.
There will also be extra police officers on patrol over the next seven days to help address any concerns.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: “The hard work and dedication to achieve this has been quite simply incredible and means that I am now able to lift the evacuation order placed on Whaley Bridge and the surrounding area.
“At the forefront of our thoughts are the communities affected by this incident who have been steadfast in the face of the peril that lay behind that dam wall.
“The danger posed by the millions of tonnes of water, which would have destroyed homes and livelihoods, could not be underestimated.
“Over the coming days and weeks further work will be completed to ascertain the damage caused to the dam wall and what actions are required for the future. We must not forget that the dam is broken.
“The Environment Agency has confirmed that the measures remaining in place at the dam will be able to manage the levels of rain forecasted, modelling against a number of scenarios. With this, and confirmation of the effectiveness of the work to repair the damage done and reduce the water coming into the reservoir, I am able to confirm it is safe for people to go back to their homes.”
Bill Derbyshire from the Environment Agency said: “We would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during this incident.
“We have reviewed the Canal and River Trust Management Plan. The Environment Agency believes as long as all provisions are acted on this will give sufficient warning to residents.
“The Toddbrook dam requires significant engineering works to bring it to a condition where its long term safety can be assured. The Environment Agency expect the Canal and River Trust to do the necessary investigations and engineering work to make the dam safe and protect the community.
“The Environment Agency will continue to work with partners to ensure the Canal and River Trust is able to maintain the reduction of water and to pump water out of the reservoir."
He added the immediate risk of danger to Whaley Bridge and other areas downstream in the Goyt Valley has passed.
Residents are being warned there could be some delays on the roads while people return to their homes.
The A5004 Buxton Road, just north of the junction of Macclesfield Road and Chapel Road, is currently closed due to urgent bridge repairs.
A hub with representatives from the council, police, Electricity North West and other agencies will be available at Whaley Bridge Primary School, Buxton Road, from this afternoon for residents and businesses to attend.
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