DIPS in the power supply are plaguing Hellifield residents as the village's electricity sub- stations struggle to keep up with demand.

The problem arose after new houses were built on the old auction mart site increasing demands on the infrastructure, Hellifield Parish Council heard.

The sub-station at Haw Grove was to be expanded, but no work had yet been done, members said.

Frank Pedley, of Gisburn Road, said he had experienced problems with his strip light flickering and microwave and video not working at peak times - usually from 5.15pm each day.

The problem gradually worsened until the power went off altogether, he explained.

Mr Pedley called in the electricians and eventually contacted United Utilities who identified the problem.

They said the sub-station at The Green, Hellifield, was running at minimum voltage.

"It shows itself in strip lights first," Mr Pedley told the Herald.

"I'm the only one in the street with a strip light. The people on the other side of the road have had their lights go dim," he added.

"The supply is affected very badly. The sub-station at Hellifield Green is not adequate to cover the area it covers."

United Utilities is now due to install a booster on the pole outside Mr Pedley's home to keep up his supply.

Members of the parish council thought the sub-station at Haw Grove was supposed to be expanded as part of the works to develop the auction mart site.

But nothing had been done, allegedly due to foot and mouth, the council heard.

Coun Lloyd Popay was worried that security alarms could be affected and chairman Coun Jeremy Sample was concerned about the effect on computers.

Councillors agreed to contact United Utilities to try to get something done, and to mention the problem to Gleeson Homes, the developer at the former auction mart site.

A spokesman for United Utilities told the Herald: "We can assure residents that the schemes to upgrade Haw Grove sub station and the high voltage cables which run through the new development in the area have been prepared and the capital investment approved.

"Unfortunately, the restrictions on access to land, imposed by the foot and mouth crisis, have delayed the project going ahead.

"We are also negotiating with Railtrack for consent to cross their land to carry out the work."

The spokesman added: "United Utilities does apologise for the delay.

"However, work will be going ahead as soon as possible once we have a response from Railtrack.

"In the meantime some temporary alterations have been made to the network to alleviate the low voltage problem experienced by some residents."