A GROUND breaking pilot scheme aimed at encouraging people to get rid of harmful lead water pipes has had a lukewarm response from the public.

Just 37 households in Blackburn and Darwen have accepted North West Water's quotation to have their lead pipes replaced from 143 applications.

The joint initiative between Blackburn Council and North West Water aims to reduce the number of people at risk from lead in water which can affect children's mental development and cause behavioural problems.

It can also harm babies, young children and pregnant women.

Following a development services sub committee meeting, councillors agreed to write to North West Water asking them to extend interest free loans for the replacement work from two years to five.

Committee chairman, Mike Madigan, said: "It's a disappointing take up but it's vital we get the message across.

"I feel North West Water are being a bit too stringent and we need to spread out the cost of payments up to five years.

"It can cost up to £600 to replace the pipes and we have to make it easier for those on low incomes to undertake this work."

There are currently 12,000 properties with lead pipes in Blackburn and the council has targeted Ewood and Audley, two of the worst affected suburbs.

Last month, the council sent out 3,000 letters and leaflets publicising the scheme which was launched last May.

Councillor Madigan added: "It's not easy because many of the households we're targeting are on low incomes and they have other priorities like clothing and food.

"We must make people aware how harmful lead can be."

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