Villagers 'abandoned' after days without power

Maureen Wilde said she has been using a camping stove to heat food and drinks

Villagers have said they have been "abandoned" after going more than 60 hours without electricity.

The power cut in Shawbury, Shropshire, started at 19:00 GMT on Saturday, after Storm Darragh knocked down a power line.

Locals said they have had little communication from Scottish Power about when the electricity will be restored, and have had to resort to sleeping in their coats.

Scottish Power said it was working "flat out" to restore power and have offered residents food vouchers and hotel accommodation.

Maureen Wilde said her household has resorted to using a camping stove to heat up food and water.

"We've got no gas, no wood-burner - we've had to borrow a gas ring from a neighbour", she said.

Mrs Wilde said it had become a "desperate situation", as she and her husband are both in their 80s.

"We're just left, we're abandoned - just desperate and not knowing what to do to resolve it."

John Challoner said he had to sleep in coats and jumpers to stay warm

John Challoner, 89, is the oldest resident of Pinewood Road in Shawbury - and like the rest of the street, his home has been without power since Saturday.

"I've slept at night in my day clothes with several layers on," he said.

"I'm not mobile, so I can't run around to keep warm. It's 11 degrees indoors - I can't stand the cold," Mr Challoner added.

"You just think 'what on earth are [Scottish Power] doing?'

"They just keep fobbing you off."

Stephen Joseph said the power cut was taking a toll on older residents

Stephen Joseph, 68, is a retired mental health nurse and looks after Mr Challoner.

He said he had to throw away all the food in the freezer, which Mr Challoner "depends on", and had to rely on the local church in order to charge up his phone.

"What's very frustrating is that a few people have got power back [in Shawbury], but we've just been left behind," he added.

Paul Sharp wants more communication to help villagers plan ahead

Chairman of the village parish council Paul Sharp said his main complaint was the lack of communication from Scottish Power.

"If it takes a month to fix, then it takes a month to fix - and I'm sure they're working as quickly as possible to do so, but when people's health is at risk they must be honest about how long it's going to take," he said.

Mr Sharp said over the past few days the company had sent multiple messages stating the power would be on soon - but with no results.

"The community has been wonderful, but we do feel slightly abandoned."

A spokesperson for Scottish Power said Storm Darragh "was a rare red event, and 93mph winds have caused our network extensive damage."

The firm added it was "working flat out, including through the night when safe to do so, to get everyone back on as soon as possible."

"We have a small number of customers still without power and we're continuing to provide hotel accommodation and have been sending out food vouchers via text.

"Welfare checks and additional support are ongoing for Priority Services Register customers and we're in regular contact with local councillors and representatives providing updates and offering a point of contact."