RESIDENTS were today urged not to panic after traces of a bug which can cause serious stomach problems were detected in drinking water supplied by an East Lancashire-based treatment works.

North West Water has warned East Lancashire Health Authority and local councils that traces of cryptosporidium were found in water at the Hoghton works, near Blackburn.

Low levels of the bug have also been found at the Lostock treatment works.

The two works supply water to thousands of households across East Lancashire and the rest of the North West.

A North West Water spokesman said the microscopic parasite had been detected by new equipment which continuously monitored supplies but no more traces had since been found.

She said a meeting of health authority experts from across the region had decided it would not be appropriate to advise people to take extra precautions and the water could be used as normal.

Health authorities will be monitoring reports of illness closely over the next few weeks.

In March, thousands of households in Chatburn, Clitheroe and Downham had to boil their water for a week after drinking supplies became infected with the bug, which can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

During the Ribble Valley outbreak, 58 people were confirmed as having the bug.

During a second outbreak in Chorley and Leyland in April, more than 50 people were struck down.

Neither outbreak is being linked to the latest findings.