Traders speak of fears over repeated power cuts

UK Power Networks is continuing to investigate an electrical fault in Colchester High Street

A baker said she feared repeated power cuts would impact her livelihood after the fourth incident this year.

Kiersten George could not open her bakery in Colchester after a power cut affecting part of the city centre was reported in the early hours of Thursday morning.

She said she arrived to the Victoria Yum bakery in Red Lion Yard to what "probably is every baker's worst nightmare" when she "didn't instantly hear that hum of the fridges".

UK Power Networks has apologised to those affected by Thursday's power cut, which was caused by a "difficult to trace" fault on the underground electricity network.

Kiersten George said she was worried another power cut could affect her business

Mrs George, 47, said she was now on "tenterhooks" anticipating when the next power cut would be.

"It's terrifying because the weekend, like for many businesses, is the day that pretty much covers our costs and our rent," she told BBC Essex, while taking a break from rolling sourdough doughnuts with her son Ethan, 21, and 20-year-old daughter Layla.

"If it were to happen over a weekend, I don't know how we would come back from that."

DGSL, a shoe restoration shop owned by Gareth Tansey which is two doors away from Victoria Yum, was also unable to open on Thursday.

The power cut also affected Gareth Tansey's business

Mr Tansey said he was worried his customers might be getting frustrated by the power cuts.

"I appreciate [UK Power Networks'] efforts in trying to fix it but, at the same time, it's the fourth time now, so it's more expected rather than a shock," the 43-year-old said.

Mrs George added she understood a neighbouring hotel had also been affected.

UK Power Networks said: "Engineers installed equipment to help narrow down the fault and restore power supplies as quickly as possible."

The power cut was reported at 02:23 BST on Thursday and the power was switched back on at 12:21.

A UK Power Networks sign in nearby High Street, where the fault is being investigated, said work was due to be completed by 14 August.