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A Derbyshire resident is refusing to leave his home despite living near a collapsing dam which could burst.

Andrew Mclackland branded the evacuation of Whaley Bridge as "health and safety gone mad" when police attempted to stop him accessing part of the town endangered by the damaged dam.

The 46-year-old called the major incident a "fuss about nothing" despite Government warnings that there is significant danger to life should the dam burst.

In that case there would be a huge flood.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "They wouldn't let me through at first. I had to get my son out.

"I tried to get back in and they didn't want to let me through.

"I think it's health and safety gone mad.

"I don't think it will go. I think it's a fuss about nothing."

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Other residents have also been reluctant to leave their homes as they don't want to leave their pets behind.

Emma Potts, 35, came to check on her 64 year-old mum who lives on Goyt Place, just off Buxton Road in the centre of the village.

She told the MEN: "My mum won't go. She's got two dogs and a cat and doesn't want to leave them. A few of her neighbours are in the same boat.

"She says if it does start to flood she'll head up the path that runs up the hill next to her house and they said at least she had a plan.

"Everyone is really worried, especially looking at the river.

"But I've just read a pub in Chapel is putting on meals for everyone and people are offering to move horses into their fields.

"Everyone has really pulled together - it's great to see."

Police ordered those living in Whaley Bridge to leave their homes immediately on Thursday afternoon after heavy rainfall severely damaged the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir.

Families fled the area and the Government issued a severe "danger to life" flood warning.

The collapsing dam has now been called a 'major incident' by the National Fire Chiefs Council and is expected to last for 'two or three days'.

Those leaving the area were asked to take pets and any medication they may need for a number of days.

Water is currently being drained from Toddbrook Reservoir into the River Goyt to help reduce pressure in the dam.

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