RESIDENTS in a number of rural villages near Andover are facing their fifth day without power following Storm Eunice, the strongest storm to hit the region in 30 years.

While several areas experienced power outages over the weekend, in some areas they remain without electricity today (Tuesday, February 22).

One of the affected areas is the village of Quarley, which lies to the west of Andover consists of approximately 25 houses.

READ MORE: Storm Eunice: How the storm affected Andover on Friday 

Katie Bolton is one resident whose home has been without any power since Friday morning (February 18).

She told the Advertiser: “The cable which was brought down by a tree has been lying on the ground since it came down on Friday. No sign of any help at all. We haven't even seen anyone from SSEN doing any work.”

The mother-of-three was forced to travel to family more than an hour away, because one of her children is unwell.

She continued: “It's a total scandal that people are left in this situation for such a long time.I think basically what happens is the smaller villages drop to the bottom of the SSEN list.”

Katie added that the only communication has been by signing up to text alerts, as no members of staff from the energy company have been visible in the area. They were initially told power would be restored on Monday evening, and then this was updated to Tuesday.

The villagers said that it would have helped if a generator had been sent to the village hall or similar, to allow for emergency provision. She said that there is now a supplies van in Nether Wallop, but prior to that the nearest one was miles away.

“It’s doable for a couple of days, but five days is pretty shameful service,” she said.

“Everyone is at their wits end. So many people are working from home still, and it’s half term week for a lot of schools - not a very fun way to spend your half term for all the local kids

“It wasn't a straightforward power cut, there was a huge surge so people have burnt plugs and we won’t know the full extent until the power is back on. I have got a big chest freezer, smaller freezer and fridge, all full of now rotten food.”

The SSEN website states that the company hopes to have restored power in the area by 11pm on Tuesday, February 22.

SEE ALSO: Homes still without power as Storm Eunice clean-up could cost over £300m

It adds: “We’re very sorry for the power cut. Storm Eunice delivered some of the most adverse conditions we have seen for many years, with wind speeds in parts of our region hitting record levels.

“Our team will be working day and night to try and get as many power supplies restored as possible. However, depending on the severity of the damage, this may take longer. If your power is not restored today, we will be updating our website this evening with an expected time of restoration.”

The Advertiser has contacted SSEN for further information.

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