Waveney District Council has been informed that a fire at an electricity sub-station in Bungay has affected electricity supplies to a large number of homes and businesses.

Firefighters were unable to tackle the blaze until engineers had turned off supplies to a sub-station at Rose Lane, Bungay. The fire service said they would only start to tackle the blaze when it was thought safe.

EDF engineers have restored power to some customers and are working as quickly as is safely possible to supply power to those who remain affected.

A spokesman said: "We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused."

Suffolk County Council Adult Care Services are looking at their various care homes in the area.

Officers are in close contact with the emergency services and we will provide further updates as we receive them.


Update: 15:00 - 01/08/08

Speaking this afternoon a spokesman for EDF Energy Networks said: “Engineers have restored power in stages to the majority of customers throughout the morning. We are working as quickly and as safely as possible to restore supplies to the remaining 1,042 customers who are still without power.

The explosion has caused extensive damage to the switch room and fire crews have advised people living in the area to stay inside and to keep windows shut to avoid the smoke.