Town-centre power cut sparks business fury

BUSINESSES in Oldham town centre were left without electricity on Thursday, causing more chaos for retailers.

Premises along Yorkshire Street lost power as Electricity North-West carried out repairs.

But none of the firms were warned and claim to have lost a lot of money as a result.

Mario Endreotti, owner of Mario’s restaurant, explained that he employs six staff to deal with the lunchtime rush, who will have to be paid despite the inabiity oft he restaurant to function.

He also lost a lunch party of 16, which had to be cancelled.

“I had to close the restaurant so I’ve lost passing trade too,” he said.

“I’ve already lost so much business since they started Metrolink work, because nobody can get here easily anymore.

“Then we have no power and had no warning about it.”

New business, Smooth Moves, also suffered as it relies heavily on internet communications.

Owner Jayne Strang, who set up the company in March, said: “This is the fourth power cut we’ve had since last Wednesday. On one occasion we couldn’t even open the shutters to get in the shop.

Andy Smith of Electricity North-West, apologised to those affected but explained the repair was an emergency job and there hadn’t been time to contact those affected

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