SOUTHERN PUTS TOWN ON TOP PRIORITY TO FIND SPARKS FAULT

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Feb 2010

Southern Electricity has apologised to Eastleigh's traders for their power cuts, which have cost local businesses thousands, and have appointed their top operations head to oversee fault-finding.

In a letter to Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne, who took up the complaint from shop-keepers in the town centre, Chief Executive Ian Marchant says:

"Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused to you and your constituents from the recent supply interruptions affecting Eastleigh Town Centre."

He says that he has asked his head of operations Stuart Hogarth to oversee the next stage of the fault finding process.

Chris Huhne said: "I'm glad that Southern Electricity are at last acting quickly to remedy what has been a costly problem for local businesses at a time when conditions have been tough in any case.

"I hope that Southern Electricity are now able to locate and remedy the fault, and ensure that there is uninterrupted supply throughout the town centre."

They will also liaise with town centre partnership chair Dee Buffone over the work.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

To get a copy of the letter to Mr Huhne from Mr Marchant, please contact Jo White in the Eastleigh constituency office on 02380620007.