A PROJECT to replace ageing electricity cables which have caused power cuts in an East Lancashire town will start next month.

On Monday April 8, engineers will begin six months of work to replace nine underground power cables stretching 1.2 kilometres along Bacup Road in Rawtenstall.

Electricity North West, is investing more than £1million in the project which will upgrade the power supply to 6,000 customers in the town.

The scheme due, for completion in October, will lead to temporary traffic lights and one-way traffic on the road while it is dug up, the cable laying takes place and the carriageway is reinstated,

In the past two years there have been several power cuts in the town caused by the deteriorating cables, laid in the 1950s.

Michael Dawes, area manager for Electricity North West, said: “We pride ourselves on delivering the very best service to our customers and we have recognised that this work is essential to prevent any further power outages in the area.

“These cables have been in place since 1955 and it is now time for our engineers to replace them to ensure thousands of customers in Rawtenstall receive the power they need when they need it.

“We know that although we’ll work hard to keep disruption to a minimum, digging up local roads is never easy for people and commuters.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience and support to allow us to carry out this essential work safely.”