Windfall for Cradley residents after loss of power

A power cut has led to an unexpected windfall for residents in a block of flats in the Black Country – new televisions and other appliances, free of charge.

Six flats in Lyde Green, Cradley, were without power for about 11 hours last Monday after a fault in an underground cable.

But when the electricity came back on many of the residents' appliances would no longer work.

Great-grandfather Derek Batham, aged 62, who lives with his wife, Maggie, 55, said: "We've had a new TV, DVD player, towel rail and microwave thanks to the energy company.

"And other residents here also had damaged appliances replaced within 72 hours."

Stella Hayward, spokesman for Western Power, said: "After the power failure we brought in a specialist company to test the wiring and safety of appliances in the block and we have replaced any that are beyond repair."