Authorities have said it is now safe for the public to return to Whaley Bridge, allowing self-adhesive label provider Interket UK to start working again.
The printing company was forced to evacuate the premises on 2nd August after the dam wall holding back Toddbrook Reservoir, which has a capacity of 300 million gallons, suffered a partial collapse. Approximately 1500 people had been evacuated from the village after warnings from the authorities that they were in ‘mortal danger’.
A joint effort from different departments of the Emergency Services along with the RAF, has both strengthened the dam wall as well as lowered the water level by over eight metres.
A statement release by Tim Pattison, UK sales and operations director, said, ‘During the remainder of the day we will commence in implementation of our priorities identified. Please be patient over the coming days as we implement these plans in order to fulfil our customers’ requirements. We will be applying a logical priority in order to recover the business and supply chains. Due to this, dispatching of product may be a little sporadic. But we will endeavour to ensure this disruption is kept as minimal as possible.’
I would personally like to send a Well Done and Thank You message to the Emergency Responders that were all involved in ensuring that the area is made safe again – their time, effort and professionalism has been truly amazing in the face of the challenge that was presented to all.
Great Team Work – that we all should be very proud of.
Furthermore, I would like to extend our thanks from Interket UK to our Employees & Customers for their patience and understanding, as well as our suppliers, industry colleagues & business partners for their offers of assistance in many ways to support our business continuation during this process.