VULNERABLE residents were sent emergency help after being left without power for more than 12 hours.

A fault on a piece of electrical equipment maintained by UK Power Networks in Tillingham left residents without hot water on Sunday.

In total 21 properties were affected by the power cut at around midnight.

The British Red Cross was sent to help the residents until power was restored at 1.23pm.

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said: “UK Power Networks called in our charity partner, the British Red Cross, to help look after potentially vulnerable customers who experienced a power cut in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“Originally 21 properties were affected by a fault on a piece of electrical equipment just after midnight and a further 11 customers had their supplies isolated just after 11am so the fault could be fixed.

“Electricity supplies were restored at 1.23pm on Sunday. We understand how difficult it can be without power supplies and we apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

Tillingham Parish Councillor Tony Pluckrose has called for more people to sign up to UK Power Network’s help scheme amid fears vulnerable residents were struggling on after a power cut.

He said: “I have been raising awareness of a system where vulnerable people can register for emergency help should anything happen.

“A lot of people don’t know about it in the village.

“People register with the authority and of there is a power cut they get emergency attention.

“I am all for it. One of my big problems is the lack of information which flows about the village. A lot of elderly, vulnerable people don’t have access to a computer or social media.”

Vulnerable people can sign up to UK Power Network’s free Priority Services Register, which means they will be offered extra help during a power cut.

The register is designed to help people who rely on power for medical needs or who would feel vulnerable for other reasons such as having a young baby or a frail elderly relative in the house.

People can apply by visiting ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority, calling 0800 169 9970, or emailing psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk. Leaflets on the scheme are also available at Tillingham Medical Centre.