Power firm’s plans criticised

A company boss has criticised plans to interrupt the power supply to part of a north Shropshire town during the working week.

Electricity giant e.on has been called upon to re-schedule works due to be carried out in Market Drayton this month, amid claims it will affect businesses during the economic downturn and disrupt the elderly, ill and children during the cold snap.

John McGuinness, of Shires Safety Consultants, said his Adderley Road company would be forced to shut down operations on January 16 while tree clearance work is carried out around overhead power lines at Phoenix Bank. 

He said he would be raising the issue with north Shropshire MP Owen Paterson. Mr McGuinness said: “At a time when most businesses are reeling from the economic downturn and are forced to be more efficient, it would appear energy suppliers are utterly insensitive to customers’ needs.”

Rebecca Mara, e.on spokeswoman, said 29 properties would be affected. She said: “The safety of our staff and customers is always a top priority. The tree work is an essential part of the safe and efficient running of the power distribution network.”