An angry resident has blasted Network Rail for allowing an oil leak to spill onto a footpath and claims the railway company will not rectify the issue due to the major disruption it could cause.

Luke Tyrell, who lives in Clitheroe, said oil has been cascading down the walls underneath the railway bridge just off Railway View Road in the town centre, and leaking onto the footpath.

Lancashire Telegraph: The oil leak under the railway bridge in Clitheroe is becoming a problem for residents in the townThe oil leak under the railway bridge in Clitheroe is becoming a problem for residents in the town

He said: "My dog's paws were covered in oil and a lady told me she had slipped on it, fallen and hurt herself, yet the oil is still being left there.

"It's coming from the trains as they wait at the station and Network Rail can't close the road off to fix it as it's the only access road into the town for a lot of people.

"They're also building more homes on the other side of the bridge, which again, if it were to be closed off, would cause a lot of disruption.

"With every single train that sits there, the oil just leaks out - it's like a proper oil spill."

Lancashire Telegraph: The oil leak under the railway bridge in Clitheroe is becoming a problem for residents in the townThe oil leak under the railway bridge in Clitheroe is becoming a problem for residents in the town

Mr Tyrell claims rectification of the spill would be an expensive job and would also lead to the Royal Mail depot being closed.

He added: "You can see the sand that has been scattered on the pavement is the only effort made to cover it up.

"It's going to be a big job to properly put right but I think the main issue is access to the housing estate behind, and the Royal Mail depot.

"If they close it, it would leave Waddington Road bridge as the only access, and this is a congested enough road as it is."

Lancashire Telegraph: The oil leak under the railway bridge in Clitheroe is becoming a problem for residents in the townThe oil leak under the railway bridge in Clitheroe is becoming a problem for residents in the town

A Network Rail spokesperson said they were continuing with work to clear up the residue which had been leaking from the railway to the underpass, adding: "The clean-up started in December, which included in the underpass itself as well as replacing contaminated railway foundation stone above.

Lancashire Telegraph: The oil leak under the railway bridge in Clitheroe is becoming a problem for residents in the townThe oil leak under the railway bridge in Clitheroe is becoming a problem for residents in the town

“We’re working to resolve the problem and to prevent it from recurring.

"If the future fix means the underpass must temporarily close, we will consult with local people in advance so alternative access routes can be put in place.”