CREWS from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have been playing a major role in rescue operations at the Derbyshire dam which partially collapsed last week following heavy rain.
A crew from Kidderminster with a high volume pump travelled to Derbyshire on Thursday evening to assist with rescue operations at the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir.
The crew, under Station Commander Lee Watson, joined personnel from a number of other services in an attempt to reduce the water level in the reservoir and reduce pressure on the dam.
The deployment was part of a national, co-ordinated response featuring a number of agencies.
Operations continued through the weekend and into Monday, when SC Watson returned to base to be replaced by Group Commander Stuart Crebbin.
A relief crew is heading up to Derbyshire today to take over from the original crew who have been working since last Thursday.
More than 1,500 people were evacuated from their homes in Whaley Bridge amid fears the 300-million-gallon reservoir could flood the town.
Fire crews have been using 23 high-volume pumps to remove the reservoir's water since part of its spillway collapsed.
The dam wall has been packed with 530 tonnes of aggregate, which is being cemented into place to reinforce the spillway.
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