RESIDENTS are becoming increasingly frustrated about pipes left behind on a Radcliffe pavement after flood repair work in the area last year.

While United Utilities carries out the repairs on a collapsed pipe bridge behind Asda supermarket in Riverside Retail Park, off Pilkington Way, the company says it has spare piping on site to protect the area from sewer flooding.

But for many in the area the spare parts have become a danger for pedestrians and an eyesore.

Deborah Murphy, aged 38, who often walks along Pilkington Way to her parents’ house in Outwood Road, said: “They have been there for such a long time now it is just not acceptable.

“Trying to walk down the pavement there is ridiculous.

“If somebody with a pram is walking the other way you have to walk on to the road, which can be extremely busy, so of course it is dangerous.”

Ms Murphy said she felt as though there was less urgency in Radcliffe to clean up the streets because it is not considered “as pretty” as other places in Bury, such as Ramsbottom.

“The pipes are a real eyesore and are absolutely filthy - it can’t be healthy to keep them there like that,” she added.

The pipes have also been vandalised in recent months, adding to their unpleasant appearance.

On Boxing Day last year, Radcliffe suffered its worst floods in a generation when the River Irwell burst its banks.

As well as ice cold water sweeping through the town’s streets and into homes, causing misery for many residents, there was also significant damage to infrastructure in the area.

More than 1,000 residents were left without power and firefighters rescued 11 people, including a pregnant woman, who were huddled in an upstairs flat as water levels rose fast, submerging most of the bottom floor.

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team volunteers also pitched in with the rescue effort, bringing lifeboats to streets hit by flooding.

United Utilities said the pipes and fencing are in place as part of the company’s efforts to protect one of Radcliffe’s main sewers following the collapsed pipe bridge behind Asda.

The firm is hoping that the equipment can be removed before the end of the year.

But in the meantime, United Utilities says pipes and barriers need to stay in place to ensure the protection of the town from sewer flooding as well as protecting the River Irwell.

And they have apologised for the inconvenience their equipment is creating for local residents.

A United Utilities spokesman said: “We’re really sorry the pipes and fencing we have in place near Asda has caused some concern.

“We have to design and build a new pipe bridge, which as you can imagine takes some time and planning.

“Unfortunately our fencing and pipes have been subject to some vandalism and our team will visit the site on a daily basis to make sure we keep the area as tidy as possible.

“We would like to thank the community for bearing with us and once we have rebuilt the pipe bridge, our fencing and spare piping will be removed.”