Residents have expressed frustration after their road was closed this morning after a water leak.

At around 9am, engineers from water company United Utilities arrived on Springwood Street, Ramsbottom, following reports made to them about a water leak.

The repair work meant residents were unable to leave the street by car and while some had been contacted by the company by post, others were unaware that the work was taking place until leaving their homes this morning.

The road provides access to around 90 properties.

Resident Maggie Henfield said maintenance work had been expected as the water leak had been reported to United Utilities some weeks ago.

Bury Times: Repair work on Springwood Street, RamsbottomRepair work on Springwood Street, Ramsbottom (Image: Mark Griffiths)

She said: “As people were trying to leave for work at about 9am they discovered that a team had arrived to dig a trench.

“It’s a very, very narrow access road.

“No cars could get through and no emergency services could get through.”

“People were told to turn round and go back.”

Mark Griffiths, who also lives on Springwood Street, said he reported the leak to United Utilities a couple of weeks ago.

He said: “I got a text saying there would be repairs last Tuesday.

“They’re filling the hole now.

“People can leave by foot but not by car.”

On its website, United Utilities says the staus of the repair work is 'active' and that engineers are digging up the road. 

The post states the issue was reported February 10.

It said: "Our team of engineers are on site repairing the leak. We’re really sorry for any inconvenience this has caused and thanks for your patience."

United Utilities have been contacted for further comment.