Avondale Road, Darwen, flooded after burst water pipe

Motorists driving towards Avondale Road, Darwen, can expect travel delays after it was flooded at around noon today.

United Utilities were informed at around 12.30pm this afternoon and are on the scene.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "A leak on Avondale Road has been spotted and reported to us.

"Our inspector is on the way to have a look at this.

"We are sorry for the trouble this is causing and we will restore the water supply as soon as possible."

It is thought the flooding came after a 12-inch water pipe at the top of Avondale Road burst early this afternoon.

The road is closed from the junction of Blackburn Road up to the junction of Hindle Street and Salisbury Road.

Residents said they were 'shocked' by what they seen but were thankful their houses had not been damaged by the flooding.

Nigel Baldwil, 55, who has lived in the house opposite the spot where the water main burst, said: "The road has been blocked off for a few hours.

"Nothing like this has happened for the 15 years I have been living here. It usually happens at the bottom of the street."

A 53-year-old woman, who has lived on the estate for more than 10 years, said: "It's a shocking sight. Thankfully my water pressure is ok.

"I thought Darwen River had changed route and was coming through to Avondale."

An engineer, who lived on the street opposite, said it was a lucky escape for his home.

The 25-year-old man said: "One of my friends was up on the main road at the time of the flooding.

"He sent me a video of part of Blackburn Road flooded on snapchat.

"I work five minutes way and rushed home to make sure my house was ok and thankfully it was."

It is not known at this stage how long the road will be closed for. 

Blackburn with Darwen Council's highways team are also on site.