Lancashire water supplies declared safe

The warning was issued after traces of the bug were found at Franklaw water treatment works near Preston

People in Lancashire who had been boiling their drinking water have been told supplies are back to normal.

Up to 300,000 homeowners could not drink tap water for more than three weeks after cryptosporidium, a microbial parasite, was discovered.

Supplies to the last 50,000 homes have now been declared safe to drink and residents no longer have to boil their water, United Utilities said.

The bug was found at a treatment works near Preston on 6 August.

Water has been treated with ultraviolet light to kill the bug, which can cause diarrhoea and cramps.

United Utilities customer services director Gary Dixon said: "We're satisfied that the water at all our customers' taps is now safe to use as normal. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.

"Compensation cheques are already starting to arrive in the areas where the 'boil water' advice was lifted first and we expect to issue all payments by the end of this month."

Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhoea and abdominal cramps

The warning had affected residents in Blackpool, Chorley, Fylde, Preston, South Ribble and Wyre.

Those who have been affected are to be given up to £60 in compensation.