Barry Island traders hit by power cut (From Barry And District News)

Barry Island traders hit by power cut

8:50am Saturday 12th January 2013 in News

A POWER company has apologised to Barry Island traders after they were left without a supply for almost three hours on New Year's Day.

Fuming cafe, chip shop, and arcade owners counted the cost to their businesses after a blown fuse on a feeder pillar led to the power cut.

Thousands of visitors had descended on the Whitmore Bay resort to watch and take part in the annual New Year's Day swim, and make the most of the fine bank holiday weather.

Cafe owner Craig O'Shea said: "This is actually the third time this has happened in the last 12 months - every time on a busy day.

"Financially this has cost myself and other traders thousands of pounds which, after the wettest year since records began, could not have come at a worse time.

"Western Power informed us that no compensation could be paid.

"Although this is a blow for business it is also a huge blow for Barry Island's reputation as a tourist destination," he added.

"As we were set into complete darkness with crowds of people queuing for hot food and hot drinks, the resulting aftermath was complete chaos."

A Western Power Distribution spokeswoman said: "Our engineers carried out repairs to a connecting cable and replaced the fuse.

"Customers were off supply from approximately 12.25pm until 15.20pm. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

"In the next few months, Western Power Distribution will be replacing and upgrading existing equipment at Paget Road substation as part of a £20,000 investment," she added.

"This substation supplies customers on Barry Island."