HUNDREDS of people between Milverton and Bradford on Tone were on Tuesday (May 26) facing the prospect of sweltering without power for fans and air conditioning throughout the afternoon of one of the hottest days of the year.

More than 630 homes and businesses lost their electricity supply shortly before 1 pm, just as the UK Health Security Agency was raising its heat-health alert to amber, warning of danger for vulnerable people.

They were told power might not be restored until 6.30 pm on Tuesday.

A National Grid map showing an area near Preston Bowyer affected by a power cut.
A National Grid map showing an area near Preston Bowyer affected by a power cut. (National Grid)

National Grid said a fault on its high voltage power lines was reported at about 12.45 pm.

It affected a large area near Preston Bowyer and Oake, including Hillcommon, straddling the B3227 road.

A National Grid spokesperson said: “We are getting this sorted as a priority.

“Our engineers are working to get electricity back on as quickly as possible.

“We are sorry for the disruption.”

Power was restored to about 400 properties in about an hour, leaving 226 others still sweltering without electricity.