Firms left in the dark by Livi power cut

Published on Saturday 20 June 2009 11:25

THE controversial owner of Livingston FC was today under fire after 29 local businesses were left without power through his failure to pay a £32,000 electricity bill.

Companies working out of offices at Livi's Almondvale Stadium were left in the dark for more than 24 hours following Angelo Massone's dispute with Scottish Power.

Among those hit were family-run meat supplier Campbell's, which only recently resumed trading following a fire which destroyed its factory in May.

Local MSP Angela Constance today said the football club had provided a "slap in the face" for local business.

Mr Massone had earlier claimed that his refusal to pay the bill was done on purpose to highlight his personal stake in the running of the First Division side.

Ms Constance said: "I'm outraged at this huge inconvenience to local businesses. ScottishPower don't just come along and cut your electricity off without warning and it was only a few weeks ago the club was pleading with businesses to put their hands in their pockets."

A spokesman for ScottishPower said: "Unfortunately, after months of trying to settle long outstanding bills, we were left with no option but to disconnect the power supply at Livingston Football Club."

No one at Livingston was available for comment.