UNITED Utilities today moved to reassure people after blue algae appeared in a reservoir near Burnley.

The company put up signs warning the algae can produce a toxic scum two weeks ago.

The signs also pointed out farmers and pet owners should keep their animals out of the water. But the company today said the precaution should not worry people.

Lee Watson, spokeswoman for United Utilities, said: "We always take the precaution of putting the signs up and we have never had reports of health problems.

"We have had a lot of rain in the past fortnight which will have significantly altered the situation.

"But until the signs are down we would ask people not to let their pets swim or drink the water."