by Daniel May

A large area of Maidstone town centre was left without power on Wednesday afternoon.

The power cut, which happened just before 4pm, has affected around 1,941 people, but EDF have managed to restore power to the majority of homes and businesses.

There are still around 141 people who have been left without power, after a fault on the high voltage electricity network.

EDF has apologised to those affected.

Businesses in the High Street, Bank Street and the Royal Star Arcade shopping centre are still without power.

The power cut also affected shoppers out for the day who were waiting for coffees and teas to be served in the Royal Star Arcade and staff at the Boyz to Men hairdressers were unable to use any electrical clippers and had reverted back to scissors.

Michael Lam, owner of the Kala Red restaurant in Bank Street, Maidstone, said their staff were trying to work round the power cut and one customer had been given rice which had already been cooked, rather than the noodles they had ordered.

Tinson Opticians in the High Street put a sign in their door saying they had to close due to the power cut.