Power cut hits newspaper (From Wiltshire Times)

Power cut hits newspaper

12:34pm Thursday 18th January 2007 in Trowbridge By Helen Thomas

SEVERE weather conditions almost jeopardised this week's Wiltshire Times after a power cut hit just hours before the paper was due to go to print this morning.

The newsaper's office, in Duke Street, Trowbridge, was one of 65 buildings in the area to lose its electric after strong winds triggered a fault.

After initial calls to Southern Electric it looked as if the power would be out for up to four hours but luckily full power was restored at 11.30am.

A spokesman for Southern Electric said there had been problems all over the area and up to 12,000 of its customers were affected.

"The situation is changing rapidly and the poor weather conditions are likely to hamper repairs," she said.

A third of the shops in The Shires shopping centre, in Trowbridge, were also affected by power cuts.

Manager Steve Murray said 12 stores were affected including Evans, Halifax and First Choice and the problem was caused by a high voltage cable in the centre of the town.

The rest of the shops in The Shires were unaffected.

If you have any dramatic pictures from this morning's stormy weather, email them in to wtimes@newswilts.co.uk or use our Snap and Send service.