A MAN from Bassingbourn has called the decision to cut a number of properties electricity supply on the darkest day of the year shameful . Tim Chandler, of South End, Bassingbourn, is concerned for elderly residents after an electricity company made the

A MAN from Bassingbourn has called the decision to cut a number of properties electricity supply on the darkest day of the year "shameful".

Tim Chandler, of South End, Bassingbourn, is concerned for elderly residents after an electricity company made the decision to carry out maintenance on a power line.

Mr Chandler said: "It doesn't make any sense to carry this work now out, especially on the darkest, shortest day of the year.

"To do it now is just stupid, and what has angered me is the fact they have shown no concern for all those who will be affected."

Mr Chandler and residents in South End and Spring Lane were contacted two weeks ago by EDF Energy and told that their electricity would be turned off from 9am-4pm today (Thursday).

Mr Chandler said: "No arrangements have been made to replace our electricity, and many will be left in the cold.

"The decent thing to do would have been to supply people with heaters and warm refreshments.

"There are a lot of elderly residents who are at home for most of the day and they rely on their electricity.

"We are going to be without electricity for seven hours and that's if they actually finish the work on time.

"They are isolating part of a rural community, that has lots of vulnerable residents. It's absolutely shameful."

Sixteen houses will be without electricity, while EDF carries out work to the power line which is located in Litlington.

An EDF official told Mr Chandler that the work was urgent and had to be carried out today as the Bassingbourn Primary School that shared the power line had broken up for the Christmas holiday.