‘Explosion’ causes power cut chaos

THERE was chaos in west Hull yesterday as homes and businesses were struck by a power cut.

Around 2,000 homes and businesses lost power at 9.30am, with traffic lights out and alarms sounding in the Chanterlands and Bricknell avenues area.

One resident says they heard a loud bang and his home “shook” just as the power went out.

He said: “I heard a big bang and the whole house shook it was that forceful. I went outside and saw the pavement had been lifted up where they were laying pipes last year, so I assume it’s got something to do with that.”

Several sets of traffic lights were affected by the power cut.

Northern Powergrid confirmed the power cut happened at 9.26am with 1,920 properties affected.

Power was restored to many homes by 10.30am but Northern Powergrid admitted it could put an accurate time for when power would be fully restored to the remaining 500 homes.

On its website it said: “The power cut has been caused by an unexpected problem with the electricity cable.

“We are currently working hard to restore power. However we are unable to provide an accurate restoration time.”

The power cut caused issues on the roads in the area with traffic lights not working from the Marlborough Avenue junction in Chanterlands Avenue to the Fairfax Avenue junction on Bricknell Avenue.

The “explosion” lifted the pavement outside Chanterlands Friary fish and chip shop.

A NEW 30mph speed limit has been installed on the A63 heading into Hull.

The section from Porter Street to Mytongate roundabout is now subject to a 30mph limit while Highways England carries out work to create a new underpass.

There is already a 40mph speed limit in place from Hull to the just past the North Ferriby junction while barrier work is carried out.

In this area average speed cameras have been installed, but it is not clear if cameras will be placed on the section from Porter Street to Mytongate roundabout.

Highways England confirmed the speed limit has been put in place in preparation for the work to create the underpass.

A spokesman said: “We’ve installed a 30mph speed limit and narrow lanes between Porter Street and Mytongate this week.

“This will be in place throughout the scheme.”