One Whaley Bridge resident said she tried to return to her home after being evacuated but was not allowed back in, because if the dam did go, she would be "completely trapped".

Nelly Hill, an 18-year-old student, said: "I had to leave on Friday and I wasn't allowed back in yesterday morning when I wanted to go home.

"My house is not in the danger zone so I'm not in any immediate trouble, but I'm still having to stay with family in nearby Chinley."

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Miss Hill added: "It had been suggested to us that we should probably leave, mainly because if the dam did go then we would be completely trapped.

"Yesterday we parked between Chapel(-en-le-Frith) and Whaley and walked up over the fields that back on to my house so that I could get some clean clothes and supplies without being refused entry.

"It's been a pretty stressful week."