Quick Read
- A burst water pipe in South Ribble on February 14, 2026, left homes in Lostock Hall, Penwortham, and Bamber Bridge without water or heating in -2C temperatures.
- United Utilities confirmed the burst pipe and dispatched teams to address the issue and potential water discolouration.
- A sinkhole on Chassen Road in Bolton has remained largely unfixed for over four months since September/October 2025, with United Utilities citing a complex repair.
- An aqueduct replacement project on Sadlers Lane in Delamere, initially 20 weeks, has been extended by an additional 24 weeks, impacting local travel until late 2026.
PRESTON (Azat TV) – Residents across North West England are grappling with significant water service disruptions and prolonged infrastructure projects managed by United Utilities, as a burst water pipe in South Ribble left numerous homes without water or heating amidst sub-zero temperatures this past Saturday. The incident is the latest in a series of challenges for the utility provider, which is also contending with a persistent sinkhole in Bolton and an extended road closure for an aqueduct replacement in Delamere.
The most immediate concern arose on Saturday morning, February 14, 2026, when temperatures plummeted to -2C. A burst water pipe on Capital Way, near the Capitol Centre, impacted residents in Lostock Hall, Penwortham, and Bamber Bridge, resulting in either a complete loss of water supply or significantly low pressure. Homes on Fir Trees Crescent and Laburnum Avenue were among those affected, though the exact number of properties impacted was not immediately clear, according to Blog Preston.
United Utilities confirmed the burst as the cause of the problem and stated that a team was dispatched to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. The company also advised residents that they might experience water discolouration due to disturbed historical sediments in the pipes, suggesting that running cold water taps at a trickle could help clear it.
United Utilities Responds to Burst Pipe in Freezing Conditions
The sudden disruption in South Ribble has underscored the critical role of robust water infrastructure, particularly during adverse weather conditions. For many residents, the lack of water also meant an inability to operate central heating systems, exacerbating the discomfort caused by the freezing temperatures. United Utilities issued an apology for the inconvenience, assuring customers that efforts were underway to restore normal service.
This incident follows other long-standing issues within United Utilities’ service area. In Bolton, residents of Chassen Road have expressed concern over a sinkhole that has remained largely untouched for more than four months. The problem first surfaced around September or October 2025. While United Utilities workers initially investigated and placed a plastic barricade around the site, substantive repair work only began this week, on Wednesday. The temporary barricade itself has become a nuisance, often blowing into the road and gardens, leaving the area exposed, Yahoo News UK reported.
Bolton Sinkhole and Extended Road Closures Highlight Ongoing Issues
A spokesperson for United Utilities acknowledged the complexity of the Bolton sinkhole, stating, “This is a complex issue, and we have carried out extensive investigations.” They explained that the position of a highway gully and a water main necessitates infrastructure repositioning, and the company is coordinating with the highways authority to determine the next steps. Despite checks confirming a nearby manhole and sewer water were flowing normally, the repair work has now been handed over to the Bolton Highways team, indicating a multi-agency effort to resolve the protracted problem.
Further compounding the regional infrastructure challenges is an extended road closure in Delamere, Cheshire. Sadlers Lane, a key thoroughfare connecting Stable Lane and Tarporley Road, has seen its closure for an aqueduct replacement project extended by nearly six months. Originally slated for 20 weeks beginning October 24, the closure, managed by United Utilities to replace an aqueduct carrying Sandyford Brook, will now last an additional 24 weeks. Chester West and Chester Council announced the new order on Thursday, February 5, with the extension coming into force on Monday, February 9, according to the Chester Standard. While diversions remain in place and access for residents and businesses is maintained, a through route remains unavailable, significantly impacting local travel.
Aqueduct Replacement Project Faces Significant Delays
These concurrent issues across the North West illustrate the scale of the infrastructure maintenance and upgrade tasks facing United Utilities. From emergency responses to burst pipes in cold weather to prolonged, complex repairs and scheduled replacements, the utility provider is navigating a landscape of challenges that directly affect daily life for thousands of residents. The company’s ongoing efforts to address these various incidents underscore the continuous demand for investment and coordinated action in maintaining essential public services.
The combination of sudden failures and protracted repair projects suggests a significant and ongoing strain on United Utilities’ infrastructure, requiring substantial resources and coordination to minimize disruption to the communities it serves.