A main road had to be closed due to a substantial gas leak.

Preston New Road in Blackburn was closed with 'immediate effect' from the junction of Yew Tree Drive down to Mire Ash Brow in Mellor on Tuesday morning, after engineers from Electricity North West, who were working on the road, damaged a gas main.

Diversions were put in place and people were asked to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Roads team said: "We need to inform you that due to a substantial gas leak, Preston New Road is closed with immediate effect.

"The affected section is between the junction of Yew Tree Drive and Mire Ash Brow (Mellor)

"Diversions are in the process of being set up.

"Please seek alternative routes if you normally use Preston New Road for your essential journeys."

By 4pm on Tuesday, the stretch of road had re-opened.

Fortunately there was no impact to customer supplies. 

A spokesperson for Electricity North West said: “Engineers are currently on site carrying out work on the electricity network and unfortunately damaged a gas main.

“We contacted Cadent straight away who fixed the repair and there was no impact on customers’ supplies.”