The essential project, which will start on Monday (31st July), will upgrade 3km of underground cable which was first installed in the 1970s with new more reliable power cable.

The investment will benefit more than 250 local residents and businesses and also the telecommunications mast at Winter Hill which serves 6.3million television sets across the North West.

Mark Crane, delivery assurance manager for Electricity North West, said: “This essential project in Darwen is a great example of how our work not only helps keep the lights on for customers but also how our network supports vital infrastructure like TV masts.

“The North West’s power network is one of the most reliable in the country and we are committed to investing in projects like this to ensure we continue to deliver an excellent, safe and affordable service to all our customers across the region.”

Engineers will keep any disruption to a minimum and there may be temporary traffic lights in place to allow the work to be carried out safely.

If customers have any queries about the project, they can call Electricity North West 24/7 on the new national free number 105, or 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW.