WORK to repair a broken pipe which had caused water to ‘gush’ down a road for eight days has finally begun.

Blackburn residents complained after having to withstand ‘a flood’ of water that covered a road in their neighbourhood.

But United Utlities said the delay was caused because special fittings were required and apologised for the delay.

The leak on The Brambles estate in Beardwood was caused when a water pipe on the corner of the cul-de-sac burst, leading to a continuous leak onto the adjoining road.

One resident said: “For it to take eight days to repair is disgusting”

John Martin, spokesman for United Utilities, said: “We’re sorry this repair did not happen faster.

“United Utilities has met its leakage target for the past seven years which is set by the water industry regulator OFWAT.”