Power goes down after tram workers sever cables

Published on Friday 13 March 2009 08:49

TWO thousand homes and businesses were left without power in Leith after tram workers cut through power cables.

Some traders simply shut up shop and headed for home after the power went out shortly before 2pm yesterday when workmen accidentally split cabling in Manderston Street, off Leith Walk.

&#149 Tram chiefs have six days to settle Princes Street Stalemate

Other businesses continued working, but claimed a representative of tram firm TIE had told them to close for the day and claim any lost earnings on their insurance.

Scottish Power said between 1500 and 2000 customers had been affected when the power first went out, but around 500 of those had their service restored within five minutes. Others were left without power all afternoon.

Tobacconist Alan Myerthall, owner of The Pipeshop on Leith Walk, said: "There was a flash and a puff of smoke before all the lights went out. We decided to soldier on in the darkness. It's been difficult because I can't use my computer to place orders and have had to set up a new set of scales to weigh tobacco."

Janet Bathgate, of nearby Douglas' Bakery, said the power cut meant food usually stored in special fridges overnight would have to be thrown out if the power was not restored.

She said: "We can't use the till and the stuff for tomorrow might end up being thrown out, it's going to be ruined."

A TIE spokesman said: "We will be investigating the incident to ensure that similar issues do not occur in the future."

30,000 cheerleader to promote small firms

AN arch-critic of the Edinburgh tram project has been confirmed in a role promoting small businesses in Leith and the west end.

Graham Russell, a former chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for Edinburgh, has been appointed to help support traders in two of the areas hit hardest by the ongoing tram works.

The role will attract a 30,000-a-year salary for a three-day week, and he will take up the role from March 30.

He will be employed by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce but will also work closely with the city council, local business associations and other key stakeholders.

Ron Hewitt, chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said:

"His first task will be to meet with the associations and produce a business plan which will help attract investment and will also look at promotion and marketing, environmental improvements, safety and the general attractiveness of each area."

He added: "He will also work closely with local shops and businesses to help them gauge the benefits each area may gain by becoming a Business Improvement District."