FAMILIES have been forced to live in filthy conditions without water to even flush their toilets.

The crisis for 19 families in Bury Fold, Darwen, began when the spring which supplies their street became blocked.

None of the residents is connected to the mains supply.

One, Paul Kirkman, hit out at Blackburn with Darwen Council for ignoring their calls for help for five days before there was a response.

The street is not council responsibility but neighbours said they did not know where to turn.

The dad-of-three said: "We can't wash our pots, our clothes or have showers.

"We have all been having to bathe at family's or friend's houses. It's disgusting.

"We can't even flush our toilets."

Now the neighbours must raise the cash to either repair and upgrade the old system or pay the rates to be connected to the mains supply via a major supplier such as United Utilities.

Mr Kirkman said he wanted to bring the area's water system into the 21st century and called on the council to help persuade the other residents.

Council officers visited residents this week to present options available for connecting the area to the main supply.

Mr Kirkman added: "We need a long-term solution. It will keep happening if something isn't done.

"The system is too old. I hope we can be connected to the mains and get up to date.

"The residents have all unblocked the pipes and worked really hard but there is a blockage where we can't reach. Some residents can't afford to fork out for plumbers to fix this. I don't know what we can do."

Coun Dave Hollings, executive member for customer relations said: "We are advising residents that whilst it is their own choice whether they upgrade the present system or consider mains water, they should be aware of new government regulations coming into force next year about managing the risks of a private water supply and water quality analysis.

"This could prove difficult for residents and we will work with them to explore what is the best option to secure their future water supply."

Residents will be spending the next few days trying to find an affordable short-term solution for providing the street with immediate water supplies.