WATER chiefs have come up with a new method of combating the potential health hazard of lead in Blackburn's drinking water.

The town has more than 12,000 properties with lead plumbing - more than most other towns and cities in Britain.

Now, around 150 homes in the Longshaw area are set to have their lead pipework lined internally with plastic to see if it solves the problem.

Medical research has proved that lead in drinking water can build up in the body and be harmful, especially to babies, young children and pregnant women.

High levels of lead in children are thought to affect their mental development and cause behavioural problems.

The project to be tested in Longshaw will involve pushing a narrow plastic tube into lead pipes via North West Water's mains connection.

When the tube is in place, water heated to 80 degrees celsius will be pumped through at high pressure, causing it to form a lining film that will not crinkle where it meets bends or fittings. Tests suggest the method, approved by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, will remain effective for up to 50 years.

A scheme was launched in 1997 in Blackburn and Darwen offering people the chance to spread the cost of having lead piping replaced over a two year period.

But there was a low take up rate for the project, with residents saying it was too costly at an average £350 per household.

Plastic lining would cost only £200 and customers would be disconnected for just two hours.

At Longshaw, Blackburn with Darwen Council is paying for 120 tenants and North West Water will offer the service cut price to 30 private occupiers.

Information about the trial will be available from North West Water's mobile visitor centre at a car park near to the Manxman pub on Longshaw Road on July 28.

The company's scientists will measure the flow and quality of water before and after the installation.

In October they will report the outcome to the council.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.