'Nightmare' for Billington as disagreement between landowners and United Utilities halts essential repairs

Following numerous complaints and demands for action from United Utilities, people living in Billington in the Ribble Valley rejoiced when the water company announced at the beginning of January that work would commence on the first phase of pipe replacement to help make the water network in the village more resilient.

The damage caused to Jackie's garden due to the burst pipe on Friday night, which left 400 households in Billington without water

However, progress seems to have hit a brick wall recently and residents living in the village could have to wait a further 90 days before anything is fixed, due to problems with a local landowner.

Relief for Ribble Valley residents as United Utilities to start work on burst pipes next week

Whalley and Painter Wood Councillor, Cllr Ged Mirfin, said United Utilities were ready to go ahead with the planned work but hit a snag last week, calling the situation a 'nightmare'.

Cllr Mirfin said: "There's some pipework that runs through some farmland at the back of the Pasturelands estate, which United Utilities need access to so they can split the pipes and help solve the issues with high pressure and leaks in the village.

"However, allegedly, the landowners who originally gave United Utilities permission to work on the land have now backtracked.

The pressure recorded by one Billington resident was sitting at 10 bar - far higher than recommended for a residential property. Pic: Tom Martin

"If the issue isn't resolved, United Utilities will need to serve them with a legal notice which gives them statutory permission to carry out the work.

"This could take as long as 90 days though, and if they're seen doing work on the land before that, they could be classed as trespassing.

"The thing is, United Utilities had even agreed to give compensation to the landowners. It's a nightmare."

United Utilities branded 'absolutely disgraceful' as Billington left with no water once again

Cllr Mirfin said it would be beneficial for the whole area if the landowners agreed to let United Utilities carry out the work and is now urging them to talk with the water company and come to settlement as soon as possible, to best serve the interests of everyone aggrieved by the issues.

The pressure has been causing pipes to burst and water leakages in houses in Billington

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “We are continuing to liaise with a local landowner and we hope their concerns can be resolved so that there are no delays with the project.

"If we need to use our statutory powers to complete the necessary work it will cause a delay of at least 90 days.”