United Utilities have issued an apology to rush hour commuters following severe delays this morning, Wednesday, in Atherton.

Motorists experienced delays of up to 40 minutes on Newbrook Road,  as both ways remained partially blocked, due to emergency repairs taking place from across Hulton Park.

(Image: Leah Collins) One disgruntled motorist said: "I've been stuck in traffic at Atherton trying to get into Bolton for about 40 minutes, it is not moving."

The road remained blocked both ways due to temporary traffic lights combined with a lane closure, which resulted in a backlog impacting traffic as far back as Atherton.

(Image: Leah Collins) Many motorists left the lengthy queue to perform U-turns in the road.

(Image: Leah Collins)

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “We have a team carrying out repairs on Newbrook Road.

"It has been necessary to put traffic management in place to allow our team to complete the work safely.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst the repairs take place, we are working hard to get this completed as quickly as possible."