Tim Prater

You may have seen that bad weather is on the way and we are likely to see high winds in some areas this evening through to tomorrow morning.

Our electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can damage overhead power lines resulting in some customers losing their electricity supply.  Where this happens we work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. We have organised for additional staff in our contact centre to help customers whose electricity supply might be affected by the predicted weather, and we have called up additional engineers to carry out repairs to overhead lines and poles as soon as the wind reduces to a speed at which it is safe to work.

Both you and your local residents will be able to find regular updates on our website www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk and social media @UKPowerNetworks throughout this period.

Anyone experiencing a power cut should:

• Call 105 to report power cuts and damage to the electricity network, or 0800 3163 105 (from a corded phone or mobile phone if you have no power)
• Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk for the latest updates
• Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut and type in their postcode to view our live power cut map
• Tweet @ukpowernetworks to report a power cuts or to receive updates

We advise people to stay clear of power lines and report damaged power lines immediately by calling 105 free from either a landline or a mobile phone. If they see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public they should call 999.

We provide extra help to customers on our Priority Service Register during a power cut.  Households with older or disabled people, those with children under five, or where someone uses medical or mobility equipment that requires electricity as well as other reasons can join the register.  You can find out more information about our Priority Service on our website: ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority.

Many of us were shocked and saddened to hear of the death of well known and respected resident, and driving force of the Tower Theatre, Peter Heselden in December.

There will be a celebration of Peter’s life at the Tower Theatre on Monday 8 January 2018 at 17.30 following a private family service.

The Chairman and Trustees of the Shorncliffe Trust cordially invite you to the annual commemoration for Sir John Moore taking place at his Memorial on Sandgate Esplanade on Saturday, 13th January 2018 at: 09.45am.

Sandgate Parish Council have been greatly impressed by the efforts of the shop owners in the parish in decorating their premises. This has made Sandgate a truly lovely place to shop, walk and drive through.

On this year only Cllr Robert Bliss, Chairman of Sandgate Parish Council decided to personally award a prize for the most festive shop front.

It is intended that in future years the selection will be undertaken by an independent body during the first week of December. So, for this year, Cllr Bliss’s choice for the most festive shop front in Sandgate is The Dog House.

Cllr Bliss congratulated proprietors David and Karen Watson and presented them with a framed certificate and a bottle of champagne.