ENGINEERS have been called to Halliwell after a water pipe burst.

Residents first reported problems at 6.30am.

The leak at the junction of Newton Walk and Halliwell Road is affecting customers in the Halliwell area.

United Utilities said on its website at 8.30am: "You may have noticed that the water is coming out of your tap slower than usual or may have gone off altogether.

"We have one of our inspectors looking into this at the moment and as soon as we know what the cause of the problem is we’ll let you know.

"We’re sorry about this and will try and get your taps flowing normally as quickly as we can. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we know what’s causing the problem."

At 12.10pm the water company said: "A team of engineers are on the way to the junction of Newton Walk and Halliwell Road to begin repairs to the burst water pipe.

"They should be onsite by 3pm."

One resident said: "There has been a water leak in the Halliwell area.

"Newton Street off Halliwell Road has had a pipe burst.

"It has been going on since 6.30am today and it is still continuing.

"Some parts of the tarmac on the road have opened up which makes it dangerous for people passing by in a vehicle or by foot.

"I notified United Utilities at around 10am as I noticed a lot of water passing my house.

"They are at the scene to rectify the problem, but already many homes in the area have been affected with dirty and low pressure water."