Why nearly 2,000 people in Harborough lost power last night

Some 1801 homes and businesses were left in total darkness after the power cut struck at 5.04pm, a Western Power Distribution spokesman said.

The widespread black-out lasted for about 90 minutes as startled householders dug out torches and candles.

The drama hit domestic and commercial customers in the Lubenham Hill area as well as across the western side of the town.

The WPD spokesman said an emergency generator quickly kicked in to restore power at St Luke’s Hospital on Leicester Road.

Everyone was reconnected by 6.32pm.

The incident was triggered by a fault at an electricity sub-station on Farndon Road.

“It’s just one of those things and could have been caused by wear and tear,” said the spokesman.

Luckily Harborough town centre escaped unscathed as dozens of shops and businesses prepared to stage the Christmas Fayre.