End in sight in blackout hell

Published 7 Aug 2009 11:59 4 Comments

See also:

Sewage solution for Cardrona

CARDRONA residents' five-year power problems could at last be over.

In the past five years, work and flights have been missed, food has been spoiled and residents left frozen as the area suffers up to three blackouts a month.

The power outtages may only last for as little as ten seconds at a time but the disruption caused is far greater.

The area has also suffered from major outtages also such as on Monday July 20 which lasted from 2am to 11am and affected up to 160 homes.

Power supplier Scottish Power has been contacted on numerous occasions by exasperated homeowners whose complaints were largely ignored.

However following a Peeblesshire News article after the July 20 outtage, Scottish Power have now stepped up their efforts in resolving the problem.

A Scottish Power spokesman said: "Shorter interruptions such as those experienced by residents in Cardrona can happen due to our extensive overhead network being hit by birds or lightning.

"Located on networks such as these are auto-reclosure switches which short out the power if anything strikes the line. Then after a period of ten seconds and if the line is unobstructed they turn the power back on. This saves on us having to send an engineer out on each occcasion to fix the problem.

"Due to the recurring problems on the line in the Cardrona area, we carried out a full survey on the line and found numerous points that were repeatedly suffering from bird strikes.

"We are at present installing a plastic shrouding on these points which we hope will act as a guard against further outtages.

"We understand that faults can be frustraing and therefore apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"Residents can be assured that we are doing all we can to make the line secure."

Local resident Brian McCrow welcomed this news. He said: "This at last sounds a positive action from Scottish Power. The outtages are a damned nuisance for anybody living in the area and I'm sure everyone will be glad that something is being done at last."

This view was also echoed by local councillor Gavin Logan who has received numerous complaints from residents regarding the issue.

He said: "I'm glad that Scottish Power has finally moved to remedy the situation.

"Myself and my fellow councillor Graham Garvie have had numerous complaints about it and we will continue to monitor the situation."

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 07 Aug 09

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Hazelkaye
Unregistered User
Aug 11, 18:46
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Cardrona was never meant to have these "POWER PEOPLE" who now live there - END OF STORY!

No wonder the place keeps shorting out! What happens to the long-established folks in Horsburgh Ford?

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Hazelkaye
Unregistered User
Aug 11, 18:56
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PS I've even heard it being pronounced and referred to as CardrunAHHH, rather than Cardr-OWN-a! Similarly, often heard is InnerLEEEEthan! URGH!!

It akin to the mis-pronounced "CardROSS" rather than CARDruss in the west! (Tatty-watter speak!)

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Hazelkaye
Unregistered User
Aug 11, 19:05
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They might have been better off in STRAYVEN (Strathaven) or MULLGUY (Milngavie)! No "shortages" of power there!

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Colin
Unregistered User
Aug 19, 09:51
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Another typical example of a developer building an area and walking away without addressing all the issues.

Slow broadband, power outages, 1 million pound homes. LOL.

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