A ROAD will take at least five days to repair following a burst water pipe.

Residents on Avondale Road, Darwen, were 'shocked' to learn a 12 inch pipe had burst on the road at around 12.45pm on Saturday.

It caused significant damage to the road and pavements in the area.

The road was closed from the junction of A666 Blackburn Road up to the junction of Durham Road near Avondale Primary School for at least 24 hours.

United Utilities, who carried out repairs in a joint operation with Blackburn with Darwen Council, apologised to properties who were affected by the flooding.

A spokesman said: "While we were carrying out repairs we used 10 of our water tankers to pump water directly into the supply network which helped to minimise the area affected. Water supplies were back on for most properties by 8pm on Saturday.

“Although the pipe was repaired overnight, the burst caused significant damage to the road.

"We’re sorry for the inconvenience and we’re working with the council to fully repair the road which should be done over the next five days.”

Residents said they were 'shocked' by what they seen but were thankful their houses had not been damaged by the flooding.

Nigel Baldwil, 55, who has lived in the house opposite the spot where the water main burst, said: "The road was blocked off for a few hours.

"Nothing like this has happened for the 15 years I have been living here. It usually happens at the bottom of the street."

Another resident, 53, said: "It's a shocking sight. I thought Darwen River had changed route and was coming through to Avondale."