A manhole on a busy Oldham road has been causing traffic 'carnage' for residents since barriers appeared around it 'six months ago'.

Lee Newsome said he has repeatedly been caught in traffic during rush hour along Hollins Road since the manhole was blocked off.

He said it was originally damaged around nine months ago and that cars were 'almost losing their suspension' when going over it due to the deep dip in the road.

It was then blocked off about six months ago, according to Mr Newsome, who added it has been causing chaos due to it being in the middle of one lane meaning only a single car can pass at a time. 

Mr Newsome said: "As you double back on yourself coming off the M60 going onto Hollins road, you go over the bridge and it's slap bang in the middle at the bottom of the bridge. 

"It causes chaos, you should see the gridlock it causes at 3.30pm to 5.00pm is just, well it's mental."

Mr Newsome says he has been in touch with Oldham Council about the issue and that they have informed him the grid is the responsibility of United Utilities. 

When approached for comment, a council spokesperson said: "This manhole is the responsibility of UU to maintain and fix and we are in discussions with them about a date they can make the repairs."

However, when approached for comment, United Utilities said they do not own the manhole in question. 

A spokesperson for the company said: "One of our engineers has had a look at the manhole.

"There are three in the location. Two belong to United Utilities but the one you are referring to is not a United Utilities asset."

Google's traffic report shows traffic typically has been moving moderately slowly between 4pm and 6pmGoogle's traffic report shows traffic typically has been moving moderately slowly between 4pm and 6pm (Image: Google)

According to Google Maps' traffic reports, the typical traffic on Hollins Road throughout the week between around 4pm and 6pm is moderately slow on the affected side of the road, highlighted in a yellow line to show this. 

Grids and manhole covers can be owned by a variety of different bodies and companies, including the council, utility companies and electricity firms. 

According to the Oldham Council website, 'Utility companies are responsible and legally obliged to repair and maintain manhole covers in the highway that they own'. 

The council say United Utilities is responsible for the maintenance of foul or clean water covers, including fire hydrants.