HUNDREDS of people in Colne will have improved water supplies, thanks to investment in the town's pipes.

United Utilites will begin replacing 3km of cast iron water mains in Laneshawbridge next month.

Plastic pipes will be threaded through the old ones, reducing the amount of digging and disruption necessary.

United Utilities project manager Samantha Holt said: "The cast iron mains have done a good job over many years but now it's time to replace them.

"These new plastic pipes are less likely to leak, will help deliver the best ever quality drinking water and will last for a long time.

"We've worked closely with the council in planning this essential work and we will let people know in good time when their water supplies will be affected, although this will only be for a few hours."

Nearly £250,000 will be spent on the project which will benefit 550 homes.

Work will be split into three phases and starts in the Venables Road area. Thirlmere Avenue, Rydal Place, Avondale Street, Blenheim Street, Cotton Tree Lane, Ball Grove Drive, Winewall Road, Trawden Road and Standroyd Drive will all be affected.

Letters will be sent to affected residents telling them about the work which is expected to be completed by March.