THERE is widespread anger across South Lakeland at North West Electricity’s plans to shut off supplies despite sub-zero temperatures.

Routine maintenance work across the area will leave residents – many of whom are elderly – without electricity as temperatures plummet.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said he was ‘livid’ at the decision and that he would be chasing bosses at NWE to demand an explanation.

“I am deeply concerned that NWE plan to go ahead with what are clearly routine repairs when the weather is so cold,” he said.

“In Beetham, Storth, Milnthorpe and Allithwaite there are planned black-outs and there are a great number of elderly people in those communities.

“I have been trying to correspond with bosses at NWE but so far I’ve had no response. These works can clearly wait till the weather improves.”

Professor John Ashton, Cumbria’s public health chief, has also written to Ofgem about the NWE plan.

“I have asked Ofgem to clarify what statutory instruments are in place to prevent companies from potentially jeopardising public health in this manner and what steps the regulator will take to restrict this practice.

“It is concerning that electricity providers have apparent freedoms to switch-off electricity and heating supplies without regard to freezing temperatures.

“We all understand that main-tenance work is required from time to time.

"Where that is routine, electricity companies should not be able to disrupt supplies during sub-zero temperatures.

“In cases where work is urgent, regulators should be challenging companies to make sure home owners have alternative heating.”

NWE was unavailable for comment as the Westmorland Gazette went to press.