YORK politician James Alexander was among the thousands stranded when a power cut halted Eurostar services through the Channel Tunnel.

Coun Alexander was meant to be going to Brussels to present an anti-BNP petition to the European Parliament, and a letter from Osbaldwick Parish Council about the Derwenthorpe development.

He said: “It is frustrating as this trip has been planned for months.

“Many people were distressed and worried about getting home for Christmas. It is just awful. The situation was not managed well and I will be complaining to Eurostar.”