Frequently asked questions

Following an inspection, we decided to close the bridge because we had serious public safety concerns.

Not having a bridge at Darley Abbey would have social and economic consequences for businesses, the local community, and visitors to the World Heritage Site. Using reserves and capital funding, the Council installed a footbridge, later named Walter's Walkway, to reinstate the link ideally for 4-5 years.

The Council is now looking at the options for a permanent replacement and we are preparing an outline business case. This process will consider transport impacts, the sensitive location in the internationally important Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and how we can manage access and egress during flooding events.

We are currently appraising different options for a replacement bridge. We are working with key stakeholders to consider cost impacts, the context of the World Heritage Site, requirements of the Environment Agency, the constrained construction area available and the need to provide safe access for emergency services and egress if there is flooding in the area. This process will inform our preferred option including alignment, width and what traffic will use the bridge.

We will present the preferred option in a public engagement event; we anticipate this will be summer 2025. 

The design and materials used for a permanent bridge will be considered when we have funding available to enable us to progress the scheme to detailed design.

As the bridge is a within the World Heritage site, we will consider the heritage impact of our proposals and seek a design that is in harmony with its environment.  We will submit a heritage impact assessment with a planning application. 

The Environment Agency offers a free flood warning service that you can register for.

If you haven’t already registered, visit the GOV.UK website or telephone Floodline on 0345 988 11 88. We recommend that you do this so that you are aware if flooding is expected and can make plans before flooding has occurred.

Since the closure of the bridge, the Environment Agency has lowered the threshold at which the flood warning will be issued for Darley Abbey and Folly Road.

Flood warnings will now be issued when Haslams Lane is expected to flood, as this is currently the only vehicle access and egress route to Darley Abbey and Folly Road. This is so that residents have time to evacuate before Haslams Lane becomes impassable. 

Flood defences lower the risk of flooding but can’t remove it completely. The Environment Agency still issue flood warnings for defended areas because there is always a chance of breach or overtopping.

The Environment Agency always plan for a worst-case scenario, with plans covering flood risk up to a one in 1000-year event. This means a flood with a 1 in 1000 (or 0.01%) chance of happening in any given year.

When the River Derwent rises, during an event it may reach a level where Walter’s Walkway is not safe for use. Flood water puts huge pressure on the original bridge structure, subjecting it to forces it was not designed to withstand. There is also a gas main and electricity cable attached to the original bridge which present their own risk. There is also a chance items in flood water might strike the bridge and cause damage.

Business occupiers and residents should leave the Darley Abbey Mills complex when advised by the Environment Agency or Derby City Council or to do so. 

The Environment Agency issue flood alerts between two days and two hours before a possible flood event. You can sign up to these on the Government website.

If it looks likely that a significant flood event will occur and you have signed up for warnings, you will receive a flood warning from the Environment Agency. This means a flood is expected and you should take action to protect yourself and your property. The Environment Agency aims to provide these warnings before Haslams Lane becomes impassable.

A Severe Flood Warning (the highest alert level) will be issued if there is a significant risk to life or disruption to communities.

During a flood event, the Council will do its best to reach as many at risk homes and businesses as possible. We cannot guarantee personal contact with everyone. If we do contact you once, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to provide ongoing updates. The best way to stay informed is to check the Council’s social media channels and website for updates.

Make sure you check for updates from partner organisations such as the Environment Agency, Met Office  and Severn Trent Water.

The Haslams Lane flood gate is only closed when we think flood water might rise high enough to flow beyond the permanent defences. It is not normally used to prevent vehicles from entering flood water on Haslams Lane.

Closing the gate too early risks trapping drivers attempting to leave Haslams Lane on the flooded side of the gate. Overall, it’s safer to leave the gate open for as long as possible. We are very careful when opening flood gates to check that no more ‘second peaks’ are possible.

Rainwater falling on the upper catchment of the River Derwent can take several hours or days to reach Derby. We also make sure roads are cleared and safe to drive on. Our resources are very limited after a flood, so we will open the gate as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

The flood defences on the Darley Abbey Mills complex are owned and maintained by the Environment Agency. Telephone 0370 850 6506 to report any faults or damage to those defences.

The flood defences along the Darley Fields and Haslams Lane area are owned by Derby City Council. Telephone us on 01332 640000 or email at flooddefence@derby.gov.uk to report any faults or problems with these flood defences. 

The Darley Abbey Mills is at high risk of flooding because it lies at a low level very close to the river. When the river rises significantly, properties and businesses are likely to flood. Haslams Lane is part of a flood flow corridor and will quickly become completely impassable during a flood event.

During extreme events Walter’s Walkway may become unsafe and will be closed. We advise checking our website and following our social media channels for up to date information and advance warning of when Walter’s Walkway will be closed.

If this were to happen there will be no exit or access for people into and out of Darley Abbey Mills complex, Haslams Lane or Folly Road.  Residents and businesses should leave the area when advised and go to a safe place to avoid the risk of becoming trapped.

You should evacuate your home or business when recommended by Derby City Council or the Environment Agency. If you don't evacuate you could become trapped by flood water.

Move as many valuable items as possible upstairs or to a high level and keep people and animals upstairs until flood water has gone down. If you become in immediate danger, please call the Emergency Services immediately on 999.

The Government has published advice on what action should be taken and what should be included in a flood plan. You can read this on the Government website.