Households in and around Barley were left without electricity for hours yesterday evening after an equipment fault caused a power cut.

Power went out in 56 properties in the Barley and Barkway area, with lights also flickering in Royston.

A UK Power Networks spokeswoman said: “Engineers worked quickly and safely to restore power to 56 properties following a fault on a piece of electrical equipment at 7.55pm yesterday. All supplies were restored at 11.50pm.

“We understand how difficult it is to be without power and apologise for any inconvenience this caused.”