RESIDENTS in south Bolton went without water for hours after a water main burst on a road in Farnworth yesterday evening, Friday August 18.

LIVE UPDATES: Water shortage after massive mains burst leads to main road closure

Water could be seen pourig onto the railway line down an embankment near Moses Gate station at around 5.30pm.

The A6053 Manchester/Bolton road was shut while officers attended and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Video by Steph Scott

United Utilities restored water to the area at 3.30am this morning, Friday August 18, but pressure remains low.

The company said in a statement: "Our engineers have now completed the movement of water from other areas to restore supply. 

"All properties should now have their water supply restored, however, this may be at a lower pressure than you are used to.  We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause.

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"Additionally, as there has been a disturbance to the water supply in the area, you may find that your water is discoloured or brown in colour. Our pipes have naturally occurring sediments and minerals at the bottom which can get disturbed every now and then. 

"We know it doesn’t look nice but don’t worry, it’s unlikely to be harmful and will settle down again with time. You can help with this by letting your cold water tap run at a slight trickle until your water runs crystal clear again."

United Utilities reported problems, which included no water at all or poor water pressure, in the BL3 or BL4 postcode at around 5.45pm.

The company said: "We have had a large leak reported at Moses Gate Station, Bolton Road, Farnworth.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and will restore your water supply as soon as possible.”

Video by Steph Scott

United Utilities received more than 90 calls from customers in the area who were without water.

Families were forced to go out and buy bottled water, as did staff at Farnworth Care Home in Church Street.

It is home to more than 120 residents and went without water since the problem started at around 5.30pm on Thursday, August 18.

A member of staff said: “All the staff have had to go out to ASDA and buy water and wet wipes.

“It is not a nice situation to be in but you have just got to manage.”

Bolton Road was closed and Farnworth fire crews were on the scene.

The burst pipe also resulted in large amounts of water spreading down the bank and onto the railway tracks.

Rail services were not affected as the Manchester to Preston line is currently closed while work is carried out to re-instate platform 5 at Bolton Station.

However, the burst has affected work on the platform

The burst also affected bus services along Manchester Road. Bus services 2, 8, 37, 512 and 521 were affected and used diversions to avoid the road closure.