Residents at risk as park homes site power is cut
Residents at Planet Park, Delabole, have been deprived of power today after the site owners failed to pay electricity bills.
The park is home to a number of older residents, some of whom rely on nebulisers and other specialist equipment to maintain their health and wellbeing.
All had paid for the electricity they use, direct to the site owner, but the cash had not reached EDF Energy, who supply Planet Park’s power.
The company had exhausted other avenues to pursue the outstanding debt, and had the park listed as a business, so cut off the supply this morning. Following interventions from local MP Dan Rogerson, EDF have agreed to restore power as of this afternoon.
Commenting, Mr Rogerson said:
“Clearly this situation has at best put residents in an uncomfortable position today; at worst, it will have been frightening and even dangerous since so much healthcare equipment relies on the power supply.
“EDF had no idea that the supply is used for residential homes, and had the park listed as a business account. I am extremely pleased that they responded swiftly and constructively to my requests this morning for a speedy restoration of power to the park, for the benefit of residents. It should be back on soon.
“However, the episode does call into question the competence of the site owners, and their suitability to run these homes. A small delay in transferring the cash paid by residents to the utility company might be explicable, but for the supply to be cut, the account must have been unpaid for months. That is clear neglect, and I think those responsible have a lot of explaining to do.”
Loading ...
