RESIDENTS have vented their frustration at the closure of a busy road to carry out water main repairs.

United Utilities started repairs on a burst water mains on Bolton Road in Atherton on Tuesday with work expected to be completed on Friday- 10 days after it began.

With the road sealed off as works continue, MP Chris Green has received complaints from people about the level of traffic that the closure has caused in the area.

He said: “I have been in touch with United Utilities urging them to complete the work as soon as possible on behalf of local residents and to keep us informed."

The signed diversion runs along a number of roads such as Tyldesley Road, Shuttle Street and Manchester Road.

A United Utilities spokesman said: “We understand that roadworks like these are inconvenient but this is essential work to repair a leaking water main.

"We’ll try to complete the work as quickly as we can and we expect to have finished by Friday, November 9.”

The local authority has also reacted to the works.

Mark Tilley, assistant director for infrastructure and regulatory services at Wigan Council, said: “The road closure ensures essential works can be completed by United Utilities to stop a burst water main impacting on local properties and the community.

“We would ask motorists to use the signed diversion and not to cut through residential estates."