01 June 2006 00:00 Central Networks issues urgent half term safety message following weekend vandalism

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is sending out an urgent half term safety message following an attack by vandals who set fire to equipment in Lincolnshire over the weekend.

Stephen Hennell, Network and Public Safety Manager with Central Networks, said: “Early on Sunday morning a fire was lit underneath part of our high voltage overhead network, requiring attendance by the fire service and causing a power cut that affected over 200 customers.

“Fortunately no one was injured on this occasion but the danger of serious injury, or even death, is very real when it comes to interfering with the electricity network.

“Electricity is safe but it has to be treated with respect, which is why we particularly want to urge children and young people to take care and stay away from our equipment over the half term holiday. What might start out seeming like fun can soon escalate out of control, and ultimately someone is likely to be seriously injured.”

Central Networks has a policy of reporting vandalism and deliberate damage incidents to the Police.

“The local community can help us in preventing damage to the electrical network, and the associated supply interruptions, by reporting to Central Networks or the Police if they witness anyone acting suspiciously around our equipment”, said Stephen.

Anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour around electricity substations, pylons or overhead lines should either call Central Networks on 0800 096 3080, or contact the Police.

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:
Emily Highmore on 024 7642 4583
A selection of Central Networks pictures is available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution