A damaged cable knocked out the power supply to around 3,000 homes and businesses in Bitterne Park on November 26. 

Southern Electric says the power cut that affected Bitterne Park, Townhill Park and beyond from 1:20pm Monday afternoon, and which effectively closed Triangle shops for at least an hour and possibly caused the lights to go out at Bitterne Park secondary school for half an hour, was caused by a damaged cable. We understand the incident occured in the Vespasian Road area when workmen installing new fence posts severed a cable using an auger, and that workmen repairing the sewer by Cobden Bridge in Riverside Park weren't responisble.

Power was due to be restored by 4.30pm, although it came back on at The Triangle at around 2:45pm and we've received many reports of power being restored in various local roads: our Facebook page and Twitter feed - @bitternepark - include reports from readers' own roads. Thanks to everyone who contacted us with information.

Update 4:50 pm Monday Nov 26: Southern Electric says it is bringing in generators to supply customers near the Vespasian and Hawkeswood Road area where a high power cable needs repair, and that all supplies should be back to normal by 8pm when these have arrived and been set up. The emergency number for updates and to report faults is 0845 770 8090. The implication is that other roads are now OK - unless of course, you know different...