Corbyn meeting residents in the town yesterday
(AFP/Getty)The Environmental Agency has kept a severe flood warning in force for the Goyt river at Whaley Bridge,
while the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has urged residents in the town to
leave their homes. “Having to leave home because of the risk of flooding is very distressing but it’s most
important to stay safe,” Defra said in a statement. “When flood warnings are issued, follow emergency
services’ advice.”
Six rescue boats have been deployed in the region in case the dam bursts. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
travelled to the area yesterday to meet residents and emergency workers, following a visit by Boris Johnson
on Friday.
Derbyshire chief fire officer Terry McDermott said specialist engineers have monitored the dam wall 24
hours a day with lasers and are reassured by their assessment. He added that a seven-day estimate for how
long people would be out of their homes was a “worst-case scenario”.
Both Ms Swann and Mr McDermott praised the majority of residents in the area and the community spirit,
which the fire chief said was “humbling”.