A UTILITY company is facing a £20,000 fine after ‘forgetting’ to fill in a hole in the road.

Residents had complained that a hole had been dug at the rear of Atlas Road and was left for several months after work was completed.

And Blackburn with Darwen Council is now set to issue United Utilities with the fine.

A spokesman for the firm apologised and said there had been ‘confusion’ between them and a contractor.

Local councillor Roy Davies, who lives nearby in Olive Lane, spotted the abandoned works and ordered an investigation.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regener-ation and environment, said: “United Utilities did not reinstate the road so the work was not finished.

“We are allowed under the legislation to fine them for every working day that they exceed the time they gave for the work to be completed.

“This is a substantial charge and I hope it sends out a clear message that we expect work to be completed and on time.

“Such work causes massive disruption on the roads and the council often pursues utility companies for similar works in order to keep disruption to a minimum and help local residents.”

Legislation under the new Roads and Street Works Act 1991 means that councils can levy a charge against any statutory body, in this case, United Utilities, for the time they exceed the time stated on the notice provided by them.

A spokesman for United Utilities said their records showed that their work in the area, completed by a local contractor, had been finished and the barriers dismantled.

He said the job was relatively minor work to repair a sunken water pipe near a house. The spokes-man said: “There appears to have been some confusion between the contractor and ourselves. We would like to apologise for that and will be taking the matter furth-er with the contractor.”

Coun Davies added: “It just looks like they have forgotten about it.

"I remember the work being done and I’ve been expecting itto be finished off.

"It is a hazard and needs to be sorted out. I hope the £20,000 is re-invested in the local area.”