MOTORISTS are being warned that traffic lights are out at the Windle Island junction following a power cut.

The power failure has also been affecting pockets of residents in the Windle, Rainford and Dentons Green areas since around 3.30pm.

A spokesperson for Scottish Power said: "The power cut is due to an underground cable fault.

"We have engineers on site working to trace exactly where the fault is.

"We would like to apologise for the inconvenience and we hope to have the power back within the hour (by around 5.30pm)."

A St Helens Council spokesperson said: "A power cut in the area of Windle Island has resulted in traffic light failure in all directions.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area, and to find an alternative route.

"Scottish Power is working to resolve the issue, but the incident is likely to affect traffic during the peak hours."