MOTORISTS can expect delays on a major East Lancashire commuter road until next month, water company bosses have said.

A new drinking water supply is being installed underneath the Grane Road, Haslingden, by United Utilities, meaning the road has had to be narrowed to one lane between Guide and Helmshore and temporary traffic lights put in place to try to ease traffic.

The scheme is designed to provide water to properties in the area, including Clough Head Cafe.

The venue, which is owned by United Utilities, had been facing closure because chiefs were unsure whether the work would be cost effective.

But after a campaign, which saw more than 100 people sign a petition to save the cafe, the company decided to go ahead with the project.

The Clough Head Cafe, which is popular with ramblers, dog walkers and commuters, also serves as an information point.

A spokesman for United Utilities apologised for the tailback caused by the works.

He said: “We’re really sorry for the delays this work is causing on Grane Road, but this is a really important scheme which will bring a new supply of drinking water to properties in the area.

“In particular, it allows Clough Head Café to stay open.

“We are laying a brand new pipe under the road to supply water to the café, which is a really important community facility.

“The café needed a new water pipe to stay open and when we questioned whether we could carry out the work there was a huge vote of support for it, so we were happy to go ahead with the scheme.”