Telford power cut hits 1,500 homes and businesses

A power cut left nearly 1,500 homes and businesses in Telford without electricity today. People in Wellington, Arleston, Donnington, Broseley, Doseley and Horsehay reported problems.

Energy supplier Weston Power Distribution said the fault, first reported just before 8am, was believed to have been caused by damage to an underground power cable.

There were still 30 homes and businesses without power this afternoon in Doseley as engineers worked to fix the problem.

Office workers at Doseley Motor Spares said they had already lost hundreds of pounds because of the power failure.

"I got here at about 8am and it was off then," said a member of staff.

"All you could hear was house alarms going off.

"Everything is off, nothing is working whatsoever.

"Without electricity we can't do any advertising, there's no phones, we can't use the internet, so we're losing a lot of business.

"Up to now I would say we have lost hundreds, probably more."

Sarah Cherig, spokesperson for energy supplier Weston Power Distribution, said: "The power went off at 7.52am and affected 1,471 premises.

"It is thought an underground power cable was damaged and we have engineers who are going to fix the fault. The source of the cable is believed to be Doseley Industrial Estate."

The cuts left many without power although neighbours of some affected residents suffered no problems in their homes.

Reg Roe, of Doseley Road, Doseley, said: "I realised it was off when I got up at about 8am. It came back on properly at about 9.30am and it's been fine since."