A "DISASTER" for organisers of the Blackrod Scarecrow Festival has been averted — after planned works which could have disrupted the event have been postponed.

United Utilities was due to be carrying out resurfacing works in Station Road, Blackrod, on the weekend of July 2 and 3 during the festival.

Organisers feared the work, on a main thoroughfare through the village, would have played havoc with the popular festival which this year marks its tenth event.

They and the Mayor of Blackrod, Cllr Ann Cunliffe, appealed to the company to postpone the roadworks to ensure the festival passes without incident.

And United Utilities agreed to move the planned roadworks to the following weekend, with the work starting on Friday, July 8.

Cllr Cunliffe said: "Once I had explained the situation to United Utilities, they fully understood and I am grateful that a possible disaster has now been avoided and Blackrod residents thank them for their cooperation.

"These structural works on Station Road, which is a major route in to the village, would split the village in two. Blackrod holds this major event each year and it is attended by many thousands of visitors.

Jean Hibbert, organiser of the Blackrod Scarecrow Festival, said she was delighted the work had been postponed.

She said: "A million thanks to all those that have assisted in getting the planned works rescheduled, now the folks from Horwich can also come and join us, which is very good news indeed."

During the festival, the village will be taken over by 109 scarecrow displays, with residents, businesses, schools and churches all getting in on the fun.

Visitors in Blackrod will be met with all manner of weird and wonderful creations as they travel through the village during the weekend, and an official programme available for £2 will help spotters ensure they see every scarecrow.

People are being invited to dress up in a scarecrow theme, and have a pictured taken with Worzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally at 3.30pm on both days.

In addition, Blackrod Community Centre will be open for the first time during the festival from 11am to 4pm, where a number of children's activities will take place.