Power cut eats into lunch trade

TUESDAY, JUNE 19: A fault on an underground cable caused businesses in Hamilton to be without power today.

A spokeswoman from Belco said: “At approximately 6:35 PM on Monday, June 18, a fault occurred on an underground cable affecting the Gibbons Company, Russell Eve and Crawford House buildings near the corner of Church and Burnaby Streets.

“Belco has located the underground fault and a contractor has commenced excavation work.

“When excavation is completed, repair work can begin; repair work is expected to start later this afternoon or early evening.

“Belco has been in constant communication with building managers, who are working to provide temporary electricity feeds to tenants.

“Power was restored earlier today to Gibbons Company’s store.”

Meanwhile, Vince Dalla, manager of City Café, which is opposite the bus terminal said he was without power all day.

“We just opened up 30 minutes ago.

“It was from all this morning until about 3pm.

“It affected the business because we were closed and couldn’t do anything about it.

“It’s something and we don’t like it but what can we do.”

He continued: “I came in this morning and tried to take care of the staff and the food.

“I brought in my generator.

“All the other businesses were closed as well.”

Belco hopes to have all power restored by midnight.

The cause of the cable fault is under investigation.