VILLAGERS left without water six times this year are worried the problem could have serious consequences for the vulnerable.

More than 500 residents on several Tattenhall streets, including areas of elderly housing, have woken up to empty taps, most recently on August 3.

They fear that if the elderly and very young are left without water again on a hot day, people could fall ill.

The water was off from around 6.30am to 5pm and United Utilities were called to fix a burst pipe that was the root of the problem.

Parish Councillor Carol Weaver said: 'It really worries me that we have this reoccurring problem. The water was off all day and we received no supplies, for instance a tanker or bottled water, to help.

'We are a farming community and water is needed very early in the morning and throughout the day for the cows.

'It was a hot day but luckily not as hot as it was the previous week. It could have been very dangerous, especially for our elderly residents and small children, which there are a lot of.'

The dry spell affected roads including Smithfields, Castlefields, Harding Avenue and Tattenhall Road, extending to Newton. The elderly housing complex Ravensholme Court was also without water.

A burst pipe on Tattenhall Road has caused long standing issues but this time a pipe on Red Lane was the problem.

A United Utilities spokesperson apologised for the service residents have received: 'We do have a problem in Tattenhall and we realise people in the village are not receiving a high enough level of service.

'We are also sorry that no alternative water was supplied until late in the day but we did not envisage the work taking so long.

'Had we known it was going to take all day we would have provided water earlier.

'The problem was very complex and we want now to provide a long term solution that restores our customers faith.

'We are looking at replacing old pipes and other ways to improve the infrastructure in the quickest most effective way.

'We thank residents for their patience and ask them to bear with us.'

The parish council are putting their concerns to United Utilities in writing.