A FAMILY is celebrating after a water firm agreed to foot the bill for fixing a water leak that had been left unrepaired for more than a year.

United Utilities has apologised to 80-year-old Mary Cunliffe after the 12-month long saga.

Mrs Cunliffe, who is battling bowel cancer, first reported ‘gallons and gallons’ of water running down her path, last June.

The firm first dismissed the problem as ‘standing water’, then later dug up her path in Downham Street, Blackburn.

A leak was found on the water pipe. At this time, a year after the problem was first reported, United Utilities told Mrs Cunliffe that as the leak was just under the steps leading into her home, it was not responsible.

But after the matter was reported in the Lancashire Telegraph the company has now sent contractors to repair the leak and said it will foot the bill.

Daughter Gina, 49, who also lives at the property, said: "We’re happy to finally have it sorted out.

"It would never have happened if it wasn't for the Lancashire Telegraph. It should never have come to this.”

A United Utilities spokesman said the problem should have been identified sooner.