BACK streets in Nelson were turned into river-like torrents after a water main ruptured.


Thousands of gallons of water spilled up though the road surface on Bradley Hall Road and Fulham Street after a 12-inch water main pipe split in two at around 6.55pm on Thursday.


The flood left rubble and mud at the Leeds Road end of Bradley Hall Road and the road surface and pavement had been lifted in places by the sheer volume of water.


Nearby residents said that water had been seeping through the surface since the previous Sunday and that United Utilities had been made aware of the issue.


Four fire crews, two from Nelson, one from Colne and one from Burnley, spent hours pumping water away and helping nearby businesses clean up after basements were flooded.


Road were closed and traffic diverted as the situation was brought under control by United Utilities engineers who diverted supplies away from the main.


Arif Ahmed, who is the manager of The Chunky Chicken takeaway, saw his basement flooded and stock and equipment ruined.


He said: “There has been a leak since Sunday and United |Utilities knew about it.


“An inspection team came on Thursday afternoon but half an hour after they left the road just went whoosh.


“Our basement was flooded up to 18 inches. It’s destroyed freezer stock, drinks, electrical stuff and a load of packaging worth hundreds of pounds.


“I must praise the fire service, they could not have done more to help.”

A United Utilities spokesman said: “We’re really sorry to our customers on Bradley Hall Road. 


“A leak on the pipe was reported to us and a repair was scheduled.


“Unfortunately the pipe did burst prior to the repairs being carried out, requiring us to carry out an emergency response. 


“The pipe is now fully repaired.”