WEEKS of traffic disruption will start in Blackburn and Darwen on Monday, as new water pipes are installed.

United Utilities is replacing 4km of cast-iron pipes with plastic ones in three locations.

Work starts on Monday, on Whalley New Road, Blackburn, Duckworth Street and the Whitehall area of Darwen, and is due to take between six and 16 weeks.

John Hilton, area contract manager for United Utilities, said: "The schemes will help improve water quality and minimise the risk of bursts which in themselves can cause considerable disruption.

"We appreciate this work will take place in busy areas and have worked closely with the Highways Authority to help keep the traffic flowing and ensure these very important schemes are completed as quickly as possible."

In Whalley New Road traffic lane restrictions will be in place, along with restricted parking for up to 14 weeks. In Darwen on Duckworth Street, engineers will replace a main, which has burst a number of times. Temporary traffic lights will be in place for up to six weeks.

The third scheme, on Darwen's Bolton Road, will last for up to eight weeks, and will see temporary traffic lights and the closure of some side roads.