FOLLOWING the problem of at least 80 reported power-cuts in the Vineyards housing estate, Holsworthy, two gentlemen from the Western Power Distribution attended last week's Holsworthy Council meeting on Wednesday, January 14.

Mr Keith Ferguson, distribution manager for the area, and Mr Ian Parkinson attended the meeting and gave a "comprehensive" report as said by Cllr Brian Harris, about the particular area being affected by the cuts.

Mr Ferguson said that the problem was largely to do with the 'auto-close' system which doesn't just affect the Vineyards, but everyone on the Bradworthy, Chilsworthy and Shebbear line, however, it may be less visible to them. He said that something as small as a bird can trigger off the auto-close system when the power will go off for ten seconds and then come back on if it can amend itself. However, if there is something bigger the electric will be down until it is re-connected by the team.

Mr Ferguson continued with the explanation that the 20 power cuts the Vineyards have seen this year have been due to lightning strikes. He explained programmes have been introduced including tree cutting programmes to reduce the number of tree incidents and these are carried out every five years.

Cllr Martin Heslip questioned Mr Ferguson as to why he hasn't experienced such power cuts on his estate and Mr Ferguson explained that this was due to the different location of the 'spurs'.

Cllr Richard Brown said that the problem seemed to be increasing and not decreasing.

Cllr Harris added: "Why haven't the residents of the Vineyards been given correct answers, I appreciate what has been said, but it is not clear to residents."

Mr Ferguson apologised for the problems with the customer service team that had been given to the residents that had enquired about the situation and said he would be quite happy to speak to any customers in person.

The council agreed that the notes taken regarding the item would be forwarded to Mrs G Down, who requested the issue to be raised, in case she wished to take the matter further.