RESIDENTS in Old Town were left frustrated after their electricity was switched off without any prior notice.

Southern Electric was forced to disconnect people on Evelyn Street during the afternoon yesterday after the mains blew out. It is believed this was caused by a rat biting through a pipe.

George Hall, 91, of Evelyn Street, said his fridge went out and he was unable to turn on his television.

He said: “I’ve had no electrics at all. I’ve felt really lousy. I was going to cook some chops but I haven’t been able to. We weren’t told this was going to be going on.

Valeria Higgs, 74, said she kept blocks of ice in the freezer to use on her painful back.

“I’ve only used one today so I hope the rest don’t all melt,” said Valeria.

“It’s annoying, they normally push something through your door if they are going to switch the electricity off.”

A workman at the scene said: “We had to disconnect it so we could carry out repairs. It should only take us a couple of hours.”