THE LIGHTS have finally come back on in Wanstead High Street after a power cut left the area without electricity for more than seven hours.
A row of shops on one side of the busy road were left in darkness for most of the day after a fault left them powerless from about 7.30am.
Most shops were forced to close for the day, with staff at the Evergreen Doctor's Surgery having to receive patients by candle light.
Wanstead Village Dental and Health Centre, nextdoor, had to close because of the fault, with two receptionists staying on site to advise any customers who arrived.
The electricity supply was finally restored just before 3pm, but most shops have remained closed.
A spokesman for EDF Energy told the Guardian earlier today: "Power was interrupted to 56 customers in the High Street area of Wanstead at 7.32am today, due to a suspected fault on the underground electricity network.
"We do appreciate how difficult it is to be without power and would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused."
A further statement from EDF is expected soon.
Keep checking the Guardian Series website for further updates.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here