FURIOUS motorists are planning to sue the council after they claimed their cars were damaged on a road under repair.

Eyewitnesses claim at least four cars have had their exhausts ripped off while trying to negotiate roadworks at Grimshaw Park, Blackburn.

Police were called yesterday as motorists began to get hot under the bonnet over the problems, which caused traffic snarl-ups.

The road is being resurfaced by Blackburn with Darwen Council and several manhole covers have been left sticking out of the highway.

The workmen arrived at the main road on Wednesday and traffic has been building up on roads around the area.

Taxi driver Thomas Finn, of Mill Hill Private Hire, had to have his Rover towed away after it hit a manhole.

He said: "There was oil pouring out of the engine and the steering has gone completely.

"I have got no idea how much this is going to cost me, but one thing is for sure I will be putting in a claim with the council." Motorist Lee Walsh, of Lisburn Drive, Darwen also had his car damaged at the same spot.

He said: "I took extra care because I could see the roadworks and ended up with the whole of my exhaust ripped off."

Mark Speak runs a shop opposite the roadworks and his van was damaged on the road.

He said: "I have seen at least four cars lose their exhausts.

"The manhole covers are far too high."

Police Inspector Stuart Coates said: "We were called to this area yesterday after reports of problems associated with the roadworks."

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "While it is regrettable that a number of cars have been damaged, there are warning signs and temporary lights in place.

"We would warn drivers to take every care when using that stretch of road."

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