Homes and firms told of power loss

Nearly 80 homes and businesses in Shrewsbury will be without power on Easter Sunday due to work being carried out on an electricity substation.

A total of 76 properties in the Underdale and Telford Way areas have been told they could be without electricity for up to eight-and-a-half hours.

A further 56 properties could also be affected with temporary loss of power during the work on the substation at Spring Gardens, Ditherington, which is being carried out by Energy Services - a division of power company E.ON.

Councillor Miles Kenny, ward member for Underdale, said he had been approached by a large number of residents who were furious the work was taking place on one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. He said he had asked energy chiefs to reschedule the work but had so far been met with a negative response.

One resident from Oswald Road, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's a religious day when we all organise family things together.

"We were planning a family meal but we've now found out the power is going to be off from 7.30am until 4pm and we'll be without hot water as well.

"We can't even get up and have a shower to get up and go out on Easter Sunday. It's really not acceptable. To have this on Easter Sunday is quite disgusting."

Jonathan Smith, spokesman for the firm, said the properties affected included Underdale Hall and associated buildings and homes in Oswald Road, Eden Close, Arden Close and Colley Close. He said: "We have chosen that weekend to minimise commercial disruption."