PENSIONERS left dodging puddles and potholes in an unadopted road have had their lives changed, thanks to a policewoman and two tons of gravel.

The narrow route on Accrington's Laneside estate is around 50 yards long and runs between Ribblesdale Avenue and Ribbleton Drive.

It is directly next to 20 elderly people's flats, although there are many young children in surrounding houses. But is unadopted and is the responsibility of residents rather than Hyndburn Council.

Resident Walter Ollett, 84, has led the fight for action to improve the road but had hit a dead end until PC Lisa Evans heard about his plight.

Although she has only been in her current post for four weeks, she had a word with building supplies firm Greengates, in Whalley Road, which agreed to donate two tonnes of gravel to improve the road surface.

Mr Ollet said: "I cannot understand it. People were allowed to build these houses, but this lane is unadopted. You'd have thought someone must own it. It's been like this for years.

"After heavy rain, there is a puddle which becomes huge. Children could fall in it and drown. They can drown in 2in of water.

"There are 20 flats in this block, all with elderly residents. Nobody has been hurt by falling into the puddle but people get badly splashed with water when cars go through it"

Mr Ollett, a former Accrington butcher who served for six years with the 21st Anti-Tank Regiment, lives with his wife, Dorothy.

He said he had spoken about the lane at numerous community meetings. And he recently raised it with PC Evans at a Laneside Residents' Association meeting.

Mr Ollett said: "She's lovely. I'd only met her for the first time when I asked her about the lane."

A huge sack of gravel was delivered on Friday morning and PC Evans enlisted local youngsters to help spread it.

She said: "The council cannot do anything about the lane, because it's unadopted. As Greengates is a business in my beat area, I had a word with them and they kindly donated this gravel."

She said she hoped the work would also bridge the gap between some youngsters and older residents.

PS Clare Holbrook added: "It's not strictly a police matter but Lisa said she would see what she could do. She got the job done. A problem shared is a problem solved."

Simon McColm, Greengates assistant manager, said: "For the sake of two tonnes of gravel, it's good to be able to help people."

He said the firm supplied materials and equipment to charities including the Prince's Trust, and had an annual budget for good causes.

Councillor Malcolm Pritchard said: "Mr Ollett has complained about the puddle for some time and PC Evans helped.

"It's a beautiful story."