WORK is finally set to begin to repair a leaking canal that has seen thousands of gallons of water spill on to a main road in Blackburn.

The leak, in Grimshaw Park near the B&Q and Asda stores, has seen water flowing from a hole in the road since it was first spotted around four weeks ago.

After experts from both water giant United Utilities and highways officials from Blackburn with Darwen Council examined the site both said the canal was to blame.

But British Waterways, which operates the canal, took until yesterday to confirm it was the firm's responsibility.

During this time the canal was closed because of dropping water levels after the driest start to the year since 1929. Residents are also under a hosepipe ban and warned not to waste water as reservoir levels are so low.

Coun Salim Mulla, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said it was an unacceptable response.

He said: “I have seen that leak for weeks and just assumed that it was something to do with United Utilities.

“It is a shock to find out that it is the canal and it is a shame that this could not have been sorted out much quicker.

“There has been so much water coming out on to the road and at a time when people have ben told to save water this is not acceptable.”

Debbie Lumb, waterways manager for the North West Waterway, said the firm was now trying to repair the leak.

But Mrs Lumb said the water lost, estimated to run into thousands of gallons, had made little difference to the canal levels.

She said: “This leak has not impacted on the temporary closure of the canal which has been brought about by low rainfall levels and the worst drought in the North West for a century.”

The water is leaking from the Leeds and Liverpool canal, which runs under Grimshaw Park around 50 metres from the site where the water has been coming up into the road.