NEARLY two months after gales hit East Anglia leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power, supply company 24seven has started paying compensation.

NEARLY two months after gales hit East Anglia leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power, supply company 24seven has started paying compensation.

But only 40 customers who lost power for less than four days have so far received anything from them.

One of those is pensioner George Newson who is claiming victory after the company sent him a cheque for £100 compensation after his case was championed by the Evening Star.

The 79-year-old lives in Grundisburgh with his 77-year-old wife Edna and they rely on electricity for their heat as well as light.

The cold days after the power went off were so bad for Mrs Newson's rheumatism that she was forced into Ipswich Hospital for treatment.

Mr Newson claimed compensation, but because his power was restored after two and a half days 24seven initially turned down his claim.

After the Star championed his battle, he heard again from the company, receiving a cheque for £100 compensation.

"I was very pleased to get the cheque, it wasn't much for them," he said. "But I don't think it's right that we should have to battle like that for the money."

And Carole Appleby, whose electricity supply was reconnected an hour before the compensation start time, has just heard she will be getting compensation – but again only after the Star raised her case.

"I've just heard from them that they will be sending us a compensation cheque within the next two or three weeks – but it's the first time they've got back to us.

"I thought they'd just filed my letter in the rubbish bin."

Ms Appleby, of School Hill, Boxford, sent a four-page letter requesting the £100 compensation on November 14.

"In the end I just got a form letter, it didn't address any of the points I made,"

Nick Akers, of 24seven, said a total of 40 people had been given special payments if they had not been disconnected for the four-day limit, but the limit had been applied "pretty rigidly."

He said the company was now "on top" of applications and would be getting the money out to customers as soon as possible.

Claimants were given three months to apply for compensation after the storms on October 27. Those still wanting to claim should write to: Customer Solutions, 24seven Utility Services Ltd, Fore Hamlet, Ipswich, Suffolk.

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nHave you had problems claiming compensation from 24seven? Contact the Star newsdesk on 01473-324788 to tell us.

Weblink: www.24sevennet.co.uk