MP defends power company

AS THOUSANDS of people across East Anglia were today still waiting to get their power back, Ipswich MP Chris Mole dismissed criticism of power companies as "a bit of an over-reaction."

"It was a pretty grim storm. The wind brought down some power lines – but it seems to me that the electricity companies have been working hard to restore power."

Mr Mole did not think it was necessary for the government to call in utility companies to discuss the crisis.

"It looks like a bit of an over-reaction," he said today. "So far as 24Seven is concerned, they accept there were problems with their call centre on Sunday and Monday and are looking at ensuring things are improved there.

"But overall they seem to be working very hard to restore power."

Mr Mole was not aware of any complaints about power cuts from his constituents.

However South Suffolk MP and shadow trade and industry secretary Tim Yeo backed calls for an inquiry.

"I think it is vital there is a full inquiry. We had been through this kind of thing before in 1987 and still we have people without power for days.

"I am very concerned to hear about the fire in Stutton and the power cables in Capel.

"I shall be contacting 24Seven myself straight away to find out was is happening," he said.

Fellow Conservative MP David Ruffley, who represents the Stowmarket and Bury areas, also backed the government's decision to call in power companies.

"Once all these problems have been sorted out it is right that everyone should look at how they were dealt with and see what lessons can be learned," he said.

"I haven't heard from any of my constituents about problems, but I am aware there is concern and it is right that everyone should learn lessons from this.

"It isn't right that people should be without power for several days and not be able to contact the company responsible."

unaware of complaints: Ipswich MP Chris Mole says 24Seven were working hard to restore power to homes.