SEVERAL Barry businesses were forced to shut up shop after an explosion cut off power on one of the busiest trading days of the week.

More than 80 customers went off supply and shoppers forced to abandon their shopping after a junction box faulted in the street, near the Lloyds bank branch, on Holton Road.

Supply was re-instated within two hours of the reported minor explosion, which took place just before 10.30am on Saturday, June 20.

Firefighters attended the scene and police taped off the road.

Peacocks and Iceland were two of the businesses forced to close their doors.

Peacocks manager, Darren Wareham said they had had to send customers away as the lights went out and the tills were unable to operate.

He said: “It was a massive loss of trading. It’s one of our busiest days.”

A Western Power Distribution spokeswoman said: “A fuse had blown inside the box creating a loud bang and some smoke. 83 customers went off supply, but all were back on by 12.15pm.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”