Workers on a controversial bridge repair scheme have further angered local residents by cutting off their water supply.

A team of 20 engineers started work on the Raw Nook bridge, between Low Moor and Oakenshaw, on Saturday.

And by mistake they severed a water main, affecting hundreds of local households and the giant Ciba Speciality Chemicals plant. The £1 million bridgeworks have caused controversy in Oakenshaw because traders fear the closure of the road will affect their business.

A Yorkshire Water spokesman said: "The construction workers working on behalf of Railtrack damaged a six-inch main which affected about 580 properties in Raw Nook, Low Moor and Cleckheaton Road.

"Most houses lost their supplies but were back on within a few hours because we made a repair and rezoned supplies.''

Ciba said supply to their site was maintained but at a low pressure. It had not affected production.

Chris Claverd, of LOW Private Hire, said: "They've been on with the roadworks since Saturday and it's already causing havoc around here.''

A Railtrack spokesman said: "We apologise to residents and we did the best we could to return to normal as quickly as possible."

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