WATER users in East Lancashire are set to benefit from a £60 million cash injection announced today.

North West Water is pumping money into various schemes to improve quality and supply, including the replacement of more than 140km of water mains in Lancashire.

And in an attempt to clean up rivers and streams, the company will invest in the sewer network and wastewater treatment.

The announcement comes after continued consumer criticism of the company about a lack of investment in the region's water system and a failure to plug leaks in supply.

The 12-month spending spree will see 24km of water mains in Blackburn overhauled and customers' lead pipes replaced.

In Great Harwood, customers will get improved drinking water from a new pumping station, new mains and a new feeder reservoir to serve the town. More than half the cash is earmarked for wastewater treatment and handling as part of the company's river clean-up drive.

Major improvements at wastewater treatment works in Blackburn, Burnley and Chorley are in the pipeline, as well as major sewerage projects in Chorley and Preston.

The money is part of a £400 million investment package by the company in the North West this year.

North West Water's capital investment director, Richard Bradbury, said: "This is part of an ongoing investment programme to maintain and improve our services across the whole of the water and wastewater network."

"It is a good indication of the commitment we are making to improving services when you remember the huge amount just covers the next 12 months."

"This rate of expenditure is set to continue over the next three years as we complete our capital programme to the year 2000."

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