The Whaley Bridge Chronicle

18/09/2025

PUBLIC OPEN DAYS FOR TODDBROOK RESERVOIR RESTORATION WORKS
The public are invited to attend special sessions to tour the site around the dam on 26 and 27 September. Booking is via Eventbrite.

We are currently working on a major project to restore Toddbrook Reservoir after the dam auxiliary spillway was damaged in August 2019 after a period of intense rainfall.

18/09/2025

SURVEY LAUNCHED TO GATHER PUBLIC OPINION ON WHAT WILL IMPROVE WHALEY BRIDGE HIGH STREET
A group of business owners are collaborating with Ruth George to improve the public's experience of the town centre. To that end, a survey has been sent out to residents to ask for ideas on how they feel the town could be made more vibrant, by identifying what people want to see on the high street and locally.
This might include different types of shops, resources or activities.
It's up to you to say! If you haven't received the paper copy, or would prefer to complete the survey online, please do so before 29 September by clicking the following link: https://survey.euro.confirmit.com/wix/9/p521174334909.aspx?__acctoken=1529090924

https://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/business/high-peak-professionals-championing-whaley-bridge-businesses-5308978

Professional support is being given to Whaley Bridge and Furness Vale businesses to help the community build a better and more vibrant High Street.

18/09/2025

NEW PHOTOS SHOW THE TODDBROOK SPILLWAY REPAIRS AS WORK NEARS COMPLETION

Workers begin the final stages of construction at the huge project to restore Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire.

18/09/2025

MEMORIES OF INDIA TO OPEN SECOND RESTAURANT
As it celebrates 25 years of serving the people of Whaley Bridge, the popular eaterie is taking on a well-placed spot in Buxton.

A popular Indian restaurant in Whaley Bridge has acquired a second venue In Buxton and is now open.

12/09/2025

FIRE CHIEF WHO PLAYED KEY ROLE IN TODDBROOK CRISIS PASSES AWAY
Tributes have been paid to Gavin Tomlinson, who was in charge of the complex fire service operation to pump 1.5 million tonnes of water from the reservoir. This was an unprecedented task, in which even getting the pumps to the water was a huge logistical challenge, and ultimately necessitated the construction of a new access road from the fire service's makeshift base.
Speaking in 2019, Mr. Tomlinson said: "This will be a blueprint for the country on how to deal with something like this happening again." He added: "Whaley Bridge was a uniquely challenging situation, but it was also the most outstanding joint response to a major incident I have ever worked on. The achievements of those colleagues working at the scene during those seven long days and nights will stay with me forever - and I am so proud of their work."
Gavin was remarkable for being the first Derbyshire-born fire fighter to have risen to the top position through every rank in the service. At the time of the Toddbrook spillway crisis, he held the position of Deputy Chief Fire Officer; being promoted just one month later to the top role, which he held until his retirement in February of this year.
The people of Whaley Bridge will be eternally grateful to Gavin and his crew members, who played a vital role in saving the town from catastrophe six years ago.

Gavin Tomlinson joined the fire service as a trainee firefighter in 1993, showcasing dedication and compassion over the next 31 years

11/09/2025

https://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/business/if-you-are-not-in-a-union-then-join-one-whaley-bridge-union-rep-humbled-and-honoured-after-being-awarded-gold-medal-5311258

A trade unionist from the High Peak has been awarded a gold medal for her outstanding contribution to defending services and supporting workers.

30/08/2025

TODDBROOK DAM WILL BE 'THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY '
According to a special feature on last night's ITV News, the restored dam and its infrastructure have been built to the very highest specifications, so that it can withstand one in ten thousand year floods, earthquakes, volcanic activity and earth shifting.
"This dam will be solid" says Lynn Pegler of CRT.

Watch the latest from ITV News - Construction on Toddbrook Reservoir could be finally finished, six years after 1,500 people were evacuated when the dam wall collapsed due to heavy rain.

30/08/2025

CRT ISSUES UPDATE ON TODDBROOK RESTORATION
The work should be completed by Christmas, and the reservoir refilled and back in service to maintain the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals, and as a leisure amenity by next summer. The restoration of Toddbrook Sailing Club will take place next year, with details yet to be announced.

About 1,500 homes were evacuated when part of the Toddbrook Reservoir broke away in 2019.

28/08/2025

UPDATE ON WHALEY LANE/DISLEY TOPS CLOSURE
Ruth George has provided further information on the ongoing disruption, which is due to repair work by United Utilities.

There is a road closure on Disley Tops while United Utilities fix the leaking water main.
There is full access to all the roads off Whaley Lane, but not to Disley or Mudhurst Lane.
Tankers will seek to ensure water supplies are not affected during the repair but UU have agreed these will turn on Disley Tops and not on the Meadowfield estate.
Unless any problems are encountered, UU hope to complete the repair before the weekend.

28/08/2025

WHALEY SAYS GOODBYE TO WILDLIFE CHAMPION
Last week people came from far and wide to pay their final respects to wildlife campaigner Debbie Bailey, who sadly passed away from a cerebral haemorrhage at the start of this month.
Whaley Bridge Bowling Club was packed with people who knew and loved the fiercely dedicated creature crusader, and some who hadn't met her, but wanted to attend to honour the work of this remarkable woman.
Debbie, who lived in Furness Vale, wove a thread of care and kindness through her life as she moved from a career in nursing to working around the clock to protect the lives and rights of badgers; teaming closely with the equally passionate and hardworking campaigners of the Derbyshire High Peak Badger Group to protect our stripey friends. She led the largest badger TB vaccination programme in the UK; saving many of these beautiful animals from the cull, and often being featured in the media for her tireless work, including a segment on Countryfile.
In 2018 she was awarded the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Animal Action Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements.
Her sudden death on 01 August, (fittingly, whilst out in the field, preparing humane badger traps for vaccinations), saw a massive outpouring of tributes, including a heartfelt statement from fellow wildlife campaigner Chris Packham.
To continue her life's mission, Debbie's family has initiated a fundraiser to establish the Debbie Bailey Foundation for Badgers in her memory. Please give what you can here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-set-up-the-debbie-bailey-badger-foundation
If you would like to help protect badgers and other wildlife in the area, please check out the Derbyshire High Peak Badger Group and, even more locally, the newly-established Whaley WILD initiative, which arose recently out of the Whaley Bridge Swift Group.
Rest in peace, Debbie, and thank you.❤


https://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/tributes-to-one-of-the-countrys-fiercest-advocates-for-badgers-from-the-high-peak-5292772

Debbie Bailey always went ‘above and beyond’ and has been called ‘true badger champion’ by the charities she worked with.

28/08/2025

LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATION - 4 JODRELL ROAD
An application has been made for retrospective planning consent (for work already carried out) on the construction of a large raised platform in the garden of 4 Jodrell Road.
The 7.5metre (25ft) long structure is mounted on a number of substantial timber posts, standing 6 feet high from the ground at the platform's leading edge, and has additional 4 feet high fencing panels installed on its edges, making the overall platform in the region of 10feet high at its lower end. Additionally, due to its further elevated position halfway up a steeply sloping garden, in practical terms, this means that its floor is level with the kitchen roof of its immediate neighbour's home below.
It lies immediately adjacent to two neighbouring properties.
A significant number of objections to the development have been lodged with High Peak Borough Council's planning department about the development, with concerns being voiced regarding loss of privacy for surrounding homes on Jodrell Road, Jodrell Meadow and Whaley Lane. The majority of these objections are on the grounds of overlooking into neighbours' bedrooms (including some accommodating children), bathrooms, home offices and previously private garden areas. Additional concerns have been expressed with regard to impact on wildlife, light, and the structure being overbearing and out of keeping with the local character of the area.
To view and/or comment on the application please visit:
http://planning.highpeak.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=269642
Or https://www.highpeak.gov.uk/article/312/Search-and-track-planning-applications and search for
Application ref: HPK/2025/0212, or under the address '4 Jodrell Road'.
Due to a number of ongoing technical issues with the planning portal which have hampered the public consultation process, HPBC will accept comments up until the determination (decision) date of 25 September. If the portal returns an error message, comments may be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected] quoting HPK/2025/0212 in the subject line or body of the message.

28/08/2025

TWO NEW CHILDREN'S PLAY AREAS OPEN IN WHALEY BRIDGE
Families and young people in Whaley Bridge have two new play areas to enjoy this summer thanks to an upgrade by High Peak Borough Council, the Whaley Bridge Town Council volunteer group Whaley4Wards, and local community volunteers.
The Council has invested in new play equipment for the sites at Elnor Lane and Mevril Road using designs which were developed with the support of the Friends of Elnor Lane and Shallcross Park community group.
Fresh planting and landscaping, courtesy of the Friends groups, Whaley4Wards and other local volunteers, has completed the new look.
Assistant Executive Councillor, Rob Baker, went to see the new play areas which are now open to the public.
He said: “Playing and having fun outdoors is a great way of being more active every day, so I’m delighted that these two new amenities in Whaley Bridge are now open. We all know moving more is good for us and having vibrant, welcoming places for children and families to enjoy makes that so much easier. That’s why the Council is investing in improving play areas like these two – and other parks and green spaces across the High Peak, often in partnership with volunteers and local communities. I’d like to say a big thank you to the Friends of Elnor Lane and Shallcross Park for their incredible support with these projects – your input has really helped to transform these spaces for everyone and will be appreciated by the local community.”