Power cut off for up to 12 hours (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Power cut off for up to 12 hours

7:00pm Monday 13th November 2006

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HUNDREDS of homes and businesses across West Craven were left without electricity for nearly 12 hours after a gas explosion knocked out a power cable.

Police said the underground explosion happened at roadworks by the library in Fern Lea Avenue, Barnoldswick, on Saturday night.

Police were sent to the scene at about 11.50pm after receiving reports that somebody was digging up the road.

They arrived to find workers from United Utilities trying to repair power cables.

Homes in Barnoldswick were left without electricity, the town's police station was plunged into darkness and Earby's council offices were also hit.

The road was closed off until about 8am on Sunday, and power supplies were back to normal at about 11.30am, police said.

A police spokesman said: "There was a gas explosion which damaged an electrical cable.

The explosion happened underground and knocked out supply to the surrounding area.

"Most of Barnoldswick had no power and the police station was affected until the we went on to the back up generator.

"The council offices in Earby were also affected.

"The power was still off on Sunday morning and the supply was reconnected about 11.30am."

United Utilities were unavailable for comment.

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