A team comprising Kier and the Canal & River Trust has successfully tackled an emergency water level situation at Toddbrook Reservoir in Derbyshire.

Along with the the RAF and emergency services, the contractor ensured the water levels were reduced by 10.7m, resulting in the situation being declared safe and residents allowed back home.

Work began on the situation on Thursday 01 August, with the team working around the clock on site to alleviate the issue.

Overall, they installed 11 12inch submersible pumps and over a kilometre of associated piping. They also removed three weirs, provided 700 tonnes of stone for the RAF to drop using the chinook helicopter and 400 tonnes of grouting. Additionally, they installed numerous roads and access points, including a new road which ran from one side of the reservoir, allowing water pumps to be installed and maintained.

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The emergency scheme was led by Eddie Quinn, director at Kier Regional Civils, who said: "The situation at Whaley Bridge was tense and at sometimes dangerous. I'm very proud of our team and supply chain for quickly coming together to help the Canal & River Trust and residents in the area. Working together, we quickly got the first water pumps into service and have been able to pump water out of the reservoir quickly.

"Reacting quickly has highlighted our ability to support our clients in their times of need, utilising our expertise regardless of the timing or breadth of project. It has been heart-warming to see the various organisations, as well as the local community come together during this time and we're so pleased that residents are able to get back into their houses."

(CM/JG)