FLEETWOOD electricity customers are queuing up for compensation after a blackout in the town centre.
But just how many people were without power for the 18 hours which would trigger a claim is still unclear.
Almost 600 homes and businesses were affected when someone broke into an electricity sub-station to steal copper conductors during last Wednes
day evening.
The supply was not fully
restored until 8.55pm the following day although it appears some customers may have had sporadic supplies of electricity.
Lack of power for more than 18 hours merits compensation of £50 and among those who claim to have been without electricity for a full day is
Albert Dewhirst, 73, of Poulton Street.
He said: "I was off for 25 hours. I will be making a claim.
"United Utilities will screw every last penny out of you they can and now they are talking about the water up four per cent above inflation."
The former steel rector added: "The best thing about it was the community spirit.
"People were talking to each other in the street like the days before television and computers.
"Someone said it should happen more often."
Neighbour Stan Leadbetter, said: "We were off well over 12 hours from Wednesday night.
"We were off for a couple of hours and it came back on just before midnight and went off again during the night.
"We have put a claim in and if it isn't resolved we will be kicking up a fuss.
"Even if we weren't off for 18 hours I think there is a moral case for compensation. They should make a payment in any event."
A spokeswoman for United Utilities said any claims for power loss of more than 18 hours continuous supply would be honoured.
She said: "We have had between 40 and 50 claims so far and they are being assessed."
To make a claim call the company on 0845 309 3003.
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