WORKMEN carrying out gasworks in Malton cut through an electricity cable on Friday, leaving a number of properties without power.

The power was lost around lunchtime, affecting 27 customers in Yorkersgate where the gas works are in progress. It was restored at about 9.30pm.

Sam Alasfar, owner of Royal Dry Cleaners, said he had been unable to get into some of his machines, but luckily nothing was damaged.

“I did have to turn away some customers who wanted dry cleaning doing that afternoon which was unfortunate,” he said.

“It is ridiculous on top of having the road closed for so long and I am sure it will have an impact on my profit.

“We are supposed to be living in a first world country so why does the work have to take so long?”

A spokesman for Speedy Pepper, also in Yorkersgate, said they had been unable to open on Friday night.

“Friday is one of our busiest nights so it was very inconvenient,” he

said.

“This is on top of the road being closed, which means our delivery drivers aren’t able to park outside.”

James McMillan, of McMillans of Malton in Market Street, said he has heard a loud bang as workmen cut through the electricity cable.

“It was quite a shock but luckily no-one was hurt,” he said.

“At least the work is being done at this time of year rather than the summer and, while we appreciate it has to be done, Malton does seem to have been much quieter.

“We need to emphasise to people that Malton is still open for business and although diversions are in place there is access and plenty of parking.”

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is investing £225,000 to upgrade ageing metal gas mains in Yorkersgate, Malton, and began an 11-week project on Monday, January 9.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing 740 metres of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes.

The project, has an estimated completion date of March 26, and has been planned in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council Highways.

Robert Hope, construction services area manager Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to sincerely apologise to customers affected by the temporary loss of electricity on Friday.

“We worked closely with Northern Powergrid to restore power as quickly as possible and want to thank our customers for their patience while the issue was resolved.

“We’d like to thank customers for bearing with us during this essential work and thank them for their support in helping us complete the project as safely and as quickly as possible.”

A diversion route is in place for motorists, however access for deliveries and car parks will be maintained via the traffic lights at the junction of Wheelgate and Yorkersgate.