South of Scotland MSP Jim Hume has written to Scottish Power urging the company to resolve ongoing power supply problems in the Ettrick Valley.
Earlier this month, we reported on farmer Richard Scott’s power being cut off four times in a week during the lambing season, putting the newborn livestock at risk.
Mr Scott, of Cacrabank Farm, and 13 neighbouring households had previously suffered 14 blackouts in just over a month between December 2011 and January 2012.
Mr Hume said: “Residents on the Redford Green spur line have suffered tremendous power interruptions in the recent past and although tree cutting work was carried out at this location back at the end of 2011, power cuts have continued in the last few weeks.
“Residents on this rural line are now feeling understandably quite beleaguered after such a prolonged period of repeated and severe interruptions. They have no faith in their security of supply and they believe that consideration should now be given to upgrading work.
“This is a fairly reasonable expectation given all the circumstances. Dealing with the problem in the long terms seems to be a sensible approach rather than simply fixing repeated faults with all associated inconvenience for residents.”
Mr Hume is awaiting a response from Guy Jefferson, Scottish Power’s network operations director.