DRIVERS are facing ‘big problems’ in Great Harwood after a drain culvert under a road collapsed.

United Utilities and County Hall bosses have closed Cliffe Lane after a large hole appeared in the road near to Great Harwood Cricket Club.

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Water is said to be pouring out of the hole across the road.

County Hall bosses said it is unsure at the moment how long the road will be shut and drivers diverted.

Cllr Gareth Molineux, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said: “I have had several complaints already.

“It’s causing big problems for people on the road. They are now having to drive through residential areas.

“I’m just not really sure what’s happening, it was nearly two weeks ago when I first found out about it.”

Drivers are being diverted away from the area along Lee Lane Cllr Stephanie Haworth, who lives in the area, said: “It was causing a problem for me last week when I was trying to get to Blackburn I had to turn around and go along Lee Lane.

“They need to give themselves a shake and get it sorted.”

County Hall bosses said the closure is a ‘safety’ measure as they investigate further.

A spokesman said: “A problem with water running under Cliffe Lane was originally thought to be caused by a burst water main, and investigated by United Utilities.

“They have identified that the issue is not with the water main, and we are due to investigate further.

“In the meantime we have closed Cliffe Lane for safety due to the risk that the water may have caused erosion beneath the road.”

A United Utilities spokesman said: “We visited the street and found that the highways drain culvert had collapsed. The council is responsible for highways issues so we passed the issue onto them and we believe they are on site now.”