IT HAS TAKEN THREE YEARS, but by Christmas it is expected that a new overflow spillway structure at Toddbrook Reservoir will be completed.
It was in 2019 that part of the embankment gave way on the reservoir, with water cascading out causing people to vacate their homes.
Lack of maintenance
The resulting inquest finding that it was lack of maintenance with trees growing through the concrete cladding that caused the failure, as shown in the picture below.
But now, Canal & River Trust's contractors, Kier, are nearing the end of the construction of a stepped spillway channel and stilling basin, providing a new route for excess water to reach the Goyt, as the trust's picture shows.
A few months ago, the spillway channel was inspected and approved by a government qualified civil engineer, allowing a new opening to be made in the dam crest to enable Kier to complete the final works on the spillway structure.
All water from Toddbrook, that feeds the reservoir and gives it its name, is now flowing into the main reservoir, and this will eventually provide a regular flow down the spillway channel to create an attractive, stepped waterfall feature through the town’s Memorial Park.
Allowed to fill naturally
From early next year, the reservoir will be allowed to refill naturally in carefully monitored stages. Work will start to create a replacement Sailing Club, the construction site will be reduced and artwork applied to the new concrete turrets.
The Memorial Park will be re-landscaped with new trees, paths, wildlife habitats and stone walls, new playground equipment installed, and Whaley Bridge AFC football ground restored to its original size in time for the 2026/27 season.
By the summer, Toddbrook Reservoir should again be capable of performing its vital role of supplying water to the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals. The reservoir will be re-stocked with fish and available as a community resource for sailing, angling and swimming.