HUNDREDS of homes and businesses in Marlborough are without power due to an electrical fault.

Power went out across 962 buildings at 10.15am this morning and engineers are currently working to diagnose the cause.

Southern Electric Power Distribution initially said that electricity should be restored by 1.15pm today but this has now been put back to 8pm.

A spokesman said: “We apologise to any customers who have been inconvenienced.”

Households and businesses affected are said to include those in Marlborough, Avebury, Beckhampton, Fyfield, Great Bedwyn, Lockeridge, Savernake, West Overton and Wootton Rivers.

Power cuts have also been reported in Easterton, Erlestoke, Etchilhampton, Great and Little Cheverell and Market Lavington.

SEPD says that a fault was reported at 11am, an engineer has been on site since 1.20pm and power should be restored to all properties by 8pm.

In Pewsey properties experienced a loss of power at about 2pm. An engineer was on site at 3.20pm and SEPD says it hopes electricity will be back on by 7.15pm.