Villagers' anger over blackouts

People in Addlestrop, near Chipping Norton say their businesses are being severely affected.

And villagers in Wigginton are organising a mass claim for damages for the disruption caused by the power cuts.

On Wednesday the government ordered an investigation into the way the power companies across the country reacted to the gales.

A spokeswoman for Aquila Networks (Midlands Electricity) said: "The numbers affected may fluctuate again on Thursday, however overall they are coming down and we have every hope of restoring supplies before Friday morning."

The company said that because the problems were the result of "exceptional circumstances" they would not be paying compensation.

However, is said it would consider compensation for people "who have experienced particular hardship".

Addlestrop villagers have been living by candle and gas light for the last five days.

Emergency number

Nicholas Mason said villagers had lost patience with the electricity companies.

He said: "The latest story on Wednesday was that everybody would be back on Thursday morning except one or two people who are in rural areas.

"Those who aren't on, are asked to telephone a number, which is very difficult to get an answer from.

"If you've got 45 minutes to hang on the line you might get an answer and this is the so-called emergency number where you ring if you have concerns."

According to Aquila Networks, about 700 people across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire remain without power.