Buxton: Stricken fishes saved after sinkhole opens in River Wye

Mining subsidence left 200 fishes high and dry

A rescue operation was carried out to save fishes left stranded after a sinkhole opened up underneath a Derbyshire river.

Mining subsidence affected a 400m stretch of the River Wye near Buxton.

The collapse caused a number of pools to be cut off from the river, off Macclesfield Old Road.

Environment Agency rescuers were dispatched to the scene, where they came to the aid of about 200 small fishes.

The species cut off included brown trout and bullheads, which are both protected species.

Stability assessment

The stricken fishes were all released back into the main river unharmed.

The Environment Agency is now reviewing options for plugging the sinkhole, while Derbyshire County Council is ensuring there is no risk to public safety.

The agency added the Coal Authority was aware and would be attending the site to assess overall stability nearby.