Power cut hits homes

Around 80 homes in Dobcross were without electricity this morning as United Utilities felled and pruned trees.

The work is essential, according to a company spokesman, as branches were threatening high voltage power lines.

He said: “We have brought an extra team in and hope the power is back on by 2pm.

“We have to do this now in order to protect the supply to Dobcross. If one of these trees was to fall, power could be off for up to six weeks — it is that serious.”