Strangers open their doors to Whaley Bridge evacuees after dam collapses

People are offering up their beds, sofas and floors to anyone in need of a place to stay.

Strangers close to Whaley Bridge have opened their doors to those evacuated from their homes after Toddbrook Reservoir dam collapsed.

Kettleshulmes Parish tweeted that their village hall would be supplying ‘hot drinks, charging points and WiFi’ for anyone who needed it.

It also stated that pets are welcome, as long as they are kept under ‘close control’.

Several people have offered space in their homes through social media, with Facebook group ‘High Peak – Community Help Site’ compiling a list of all volunteers.

More than 30 residents from Furness, Buxton, Fairfield, Longnor and New Mills have already volunteered their spare rooms and sofas in the last hour.

#whaleybridge Kettleshulme Village Hall has been opened for People evacuates from their homes because of the reservoir. Hot Drinks, Charging Points and WiFi available. Pets also welcome under close control. @DerbysPolice @HighPeakRadioUK @DerbyshireFRS @whaleyradio

— Kettleshulme Parish (@KettleshulmePC) August 1, 2019

If anyone needs a place to stay or help with pets please let me know. Also anyone needing help transport wise please get in touch. We’re just down the road in Chapel-en-le-Frith, not far from Chapel High School #WhaleyBridge

— Annabelle Simpson-Grange (@SimpsonAj91) August 1, 2019

Whaley Bridge evacuation Anyone struggling for accommodation from Whaley we have a spare room with double bed. We're away on holiday on Tues but can help up to Monday. We're in Hayfield. We've 2 dogs. Could take a dog too. Follow and dm.

— Geoff Crowther (@GeoffCrowther1) August 1, 2019

Not sure how we’ll get home tonight but we’re both safe and our house is above the reservoir level. Our thoughts are with the houses & pretty much all of the local services, businesses & public transport access that could be lost ????

If you need a bed, get in touch #whaleybridge

— ????‍♂️ Gari ????‍♂️ (@DarkAeon) August 1, 2019

Others have chosen to share their details on Twitter and are asking those in need to follow them and send a direct message.

More than 6,000 people have been told to leave their homes after the dam began collapsing earlier today, with video clips showing water pouring towards the town.

A severe flood warning has since been issued, indicating that there is a high risk of ‘danger to life’ if residents do not leave their homes.

Many evacuees have been congregating at Chapel High School in Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak.

However, a spokesperson for Derbyshire Police warned that there is a limited capacity for people to stay at the site.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘Officers and staff will be at the school to give further direction but at this time we aren’t sure how long the evacuation will take.

‘Please make alternate arrangements to stay with friends/family, ensure that pets and medication that may be needed for a number of days are taken.

‘If people do not have somewhere to go then they will be accommodated, however, there is limited capacity to do so.

‘If you are unable to leave your own home and require assistance please contact 101 and ask for the police.’