A POPULAR Bury cafe could be forced to close because of a serious water supply problem which has hit its toilet, washing and heating facilities.

A reduction in water pressure at The Rock Cafe means that cisterns can only be flushed every 20 minutes.

And with supplies slowing to a trickle, owner Mrs Lynne Smith has been forced to issue customers with hand wipes because they cant use the sinks.

She is unable to turn on the gas central heating because of the acute water shortage.

She blames United Utilities for causing the problem when reducing the pressure earlier this year.

But the water supply company claim the trouble lies with internal pipes serving the cafe and have urged Mrs Smith to call in a plumber.

"Some months ago I noticed the water pressure going down and thought wed a burst pipe," said Mrs Smith who has run the first-floor cafe for the past two years.

"An inspector came and told me the pressure had been turned down because there was too much water being used on The Rock.

"He said hed go back and have a word with his bosses. But the situation didnt improve.

"Last week an inspector told me it was my problem and I should get my landlord to sort it out."

Mrs Smith also disputes the inspectors claim that she is not on the same water supply as neighbouring premises.

She says the water pressure increases significantly when the supply serving the business below is not being used.

She said: "I cant turn on the gas central heating because I cant get the water at the proper pressure. On a number of occasions, my customers have been sitting here freezing.

"The toilets cant be used regularly and can only be flushed every 20 minutes. Im going to have to shut down if this carries on."

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "As far as we are concerned, the problem is with the internal pipes which are not our responsibility."