WATER bosses are set to carry out major repair works to stop the long-running problem of leaks in a village.

Residents in Baxenden have been plagued by water shortages over the last few years.

And after more than 60 homes were left temporarily without water last year, United Utilities has now identified the problem and is looking to put a ‘permanent solution’ in place.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: “There is planned replacement works for the section between Mitchells Reservoir and Woburn Close.

“United Utilities also tell me that they are drawing up plans for a replacement between there and Manchester Road.”

The cause of the multiple major bursts has been put down to pressure on old and creaking pipework believed to have been laid in the late 1960s.

Last week homeowners in the BB5 area were warned by United Utilities they may suffer low water pressure or have no water at all.

And back in October, a large water main in Southwood Drive burst, causing water to pour down the road, leaving several homes with little or no water pressure.

This also resulted in The Hollins school in Hollins Lane temporarily closing.

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “We’ve been investigating the cause of the recent bursts on Southwood Drive and have identified a section of main that needs to be replaced from near to the A56 to the rear of Sherbourne Road.

“We are in the process of sending out 2,000 customer letters explaining what has happened and the fact that we are putting a permanent solution in place," the spokesperson added.

“We are increasing our monitoring and have water tankers on standby in the local area in case there are further problems before the permanent solution is delivered.

“We’re now in the process of planning the work, including organising access to private land, and will update customers when we have a clearer idea when work will begin.”

Deputy leader of Hyndburn Council Cllr Terry Hurn said he welcomed the repair work but realised it wouldn’t happen overnight.

He said: “It’s not going to be a quick fix and will take a few weeks so in the meantime we’ll keep our fingers crossed that it doesn’t burst again.”

Repair work is set to begin in April and is expected to take a couple of weeks.