A MAJOR link road in Bury has been closed today for emergency sewer repair work.

Hollins Brow, stretching from its junction at Manchester Road to Hollins Lane, has been completely cordoned off.

It is understood a burst in the vicinity of Blackford Bridge has caused United Utilities engineers to undertake immediate remedial work.

The problem arose yesterday morning,  causing lengthy tailbacks at rush-hour periods on Manchester Road, to and from Bury town centre.

Vehicles can currently travel along Manchester Road in both directions, but in single line only.

The traffic lights at Blackford Bridge at its  junction with Hollins Brow have been switched off.

Early indications are that there could be traffic disruptions in the area running into next week while the issues are remedied.

United Utilities engineers have been working to fix the break in a high pressure sewer pipe since Tuesday, and the work is not likely to be complete until the middle of next week.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "We have located a break in a high pressure sewer pipe and we need to fix it.

"We are really sorry for the disruption, as the work is causing some tailbacks at a busy junction on Manchester Road.

"This is essential work, but we'll try to get it done as quickly as possible. Please bear with us."

The delays come less than a week after adjoining Croft Lane was re-opened. It had been shut for several months to allow United Utilities to install new water pipes.