NORTH West Water has pulled the plug on funding important research into the level of lead in drinking water in the area.

The company was expected to provide £38,000 towards the £55,000 cost of researching the lead content in milk teeth of children from two schools in the Blackburn Borough.

Blackburn Borough Council and Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Authority raised the other £17,000.

However, they are unable to make up the shortfall following NW Water's defection and the project will be cancelled, unless the council finds alternative funding.

Lead levels in the area's water are among the highest in the country.

However, a North West Water spokesperson explained: "We looked closely at the proposed research and felt that there would be no long-term benefits to consumers.

"It would take a considerable length of time and we believe the money would be better spent on a pilot pipe-replacement scheme."

Councillors learned of the decision at this week's Public Services sub-committee.

Chairman Councillor Nigel Nuttall urged them to write to North West Water demanding an explanation.

"This money is just a drop in the ocean for North West Water," argued Coun Nuttall.

"It's very important to let them know how strongly we feel.

"Our budget is already stretched and we can't afford to spend more."

Meanwhile, North West Water, part of United Utilities, is pressing ahead with a controversial pilot scheme due to start in April.

This will allow consumers to replace lead pipes on an interest-free loan scheme.

It is estimated the average cost of replacement would be around £200 per household and payment can be spread through normal billing.

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