More funding for Whaley Bridge community and businesses

Funding of £150,000 has been announced to help Whaley Bridge get back on its feet following the Toddbrook Dam incident - with a further £100,000 for businesses.

High Peak Borough Council will use the Government money on a range of strategic and practical measures - including a marketing and tourism plan for the town and repairing community facilities including the football pitch - as residents and businesses return to normal day-to-day life.

And businesses will be able to access funds set aside specifically to help them cover uninsurable costs - the £100,000 matches the amount allocated to businesses by Derbyshire County Council.

Welcoming the funding Borough Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: "The communities and businesses in the areas affected by the Toddbrook Dam incident have shown admirable courage and optimism so we are pleased that this funding has been made available to support them across the whole of the affected area.

"We know that people are now enjoying being back in their homes and business premises as life gets back to normal - and we'd like to reassure everyone that we will continue to be on hand to offer advice and assistance during the coming weeks and months so please don't hesitate to contact us if we can help.

"We're also working closely with the Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency as they work on future plans for the Dam. These plans will be shared with the community as they develop.

"I would like to reiterate our heartfelt appreciation of, and sincere thanks to, all those who played a part in this incident and the agencies and individuals who continue to keep our communities safe and thriving."