Householders endure fifth day without power

PEOPLE in Scotland and northeast England have said they are “exhausted” and “heartbroken” as they endured a fifth day without power as a result of damage caused by Storm Arwen.

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) confirmed that 45,000 of its UK customers remained without power as of 8am yesterday, maintaining that the storm’s damage has affected around one million homes and businesses across the country.

Calls for British troops to assist the engineers were made in the House of Commons, as ministers came under fire for failing to provide an update to MPs on the impact of the storm for a second successive day.

MPs heard Northern Powergrid believes the damage is “more extensive than initially realised”, with Conservative MP Richard Holden (North West Durham) warning some households are “potentially facing weeks without electricity”.

Gemma Douglas, from West Allerdean, Northumberland, said she had “never seen anything like this” in her area.

“It has been exhausting... trying to keep warm, cook, is hard work,” the 39-year-old project development officer told the Press Association. “Where we live, there is no back-up system – we’re on our own... so many people nearby are without any help and it’s scary and worrying.”

The ENA has urged powerless customers to make alternative arrangements for accommodation, by staying with friends or family wherever possible, as the Met Office warned highs of 12C will be the warmest of the week for most.

Indra Rampersad van Boeckel, from Ford, Berwick-upon-Tweed, has been without power since Friday evening and saw her shed crushed by a neighbouring tree.

“It’s heartbreaking, really... it’s not easy even making a cup of tea on a stove,” the 42-year-old dentist said.

“The house is just a mess... We have burned our full stash of candles and had to get lots of extra supplies.”

David Hill, 40, from Alford in Aberdeenshire, highlighted the “positives” as the community has “pulled together”. The health and safety consultant said: “We definitely pulled together, checking on each other to make sure the neighbours were OK.”

The Exeter-based Met Office predicted milder weather, but forecast another dip in temperatures tonight.

A spokesperson for the ENA said: “Supporting and reconnecting customers is our absolute priority and our customer teams are working around the clock to contact customers and keep them informed.

“We are also working with other utilities, local authorities, emergency services and the British Red Cross to support this effort.”

Scottish Energy Secretary Michael Matheson has described the impact on the power network in the country as “unprecedented”, adding: “I think it’s three times the number of faults experienced during the Beast from the East [in March, 2018].”

Conservative MP Mr Holden said thousands of people in his area of Cumbria and North Yorkshire remain without electricity.

It’s three times the number of faults experienced during the Beast from the East MICHAEL MATHESON