A 'DANGEROUS' road cannot be fixed due to a leaky pipe.

Since last October, water has run down James Street West near Darwen Health Centre from a pipe in nearby Reservoir Street.

United Utilities say its workers were refused entry into a house where they believe the leak originated.

It is thought the freezing and thawing of water has worsened problems with the road surface which is rutted and plagued with pot-holes.

Residents are calling for the road to be fixed, but council bosses say that it would not be worthwhile until the leak is stopped.

A spokesman for United Utilities spokesman said: "As a private pipe running under the residents' properties, it is not owned by United Utilities, and does not fall under our responsibility.

"However, since we are committed to preventing water wastage, we have actively helped local residents by tackling the leaks.

"As well as carrying out the repairs, we have encouraged residents to switch from this shared pipe to their own separate supply pipes, to avoid further problems.

"United Utilities has provided free connections to support this process. Three homes have already switched.

"A further leak on the shared pipe was recently detected. We sent an engineer out to repair it, but we were refused access to the home affected."

The spokesman said they would visit the customer to explain the importance of repairing the leak.

Margaret Cookson, from Reservoir Street, said: "It's been going on for months. It started as two little holes and has got worse because of the leak freezing and thawing."

Pat Higgins, also of Reservoir Street, said: "It's very dangerous. The water is washing the road surface away."

Neighbour Kenneth Fenton said: "It's unbelievable how long it's been going on for and nothing has been done."

Adam Scott, strategic director of regeneration and environment, said: "The water leak is coming from a private residence.

"Despite assurances from United Utilities, the leak has still not been fixed.

"Once it has been resolved, we can repair the road surface.

"There is no point repairing the road if water is still coming through."