Residents suffering from frequent power cuts went to their MP to see if the situation could be remedied.

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark heard about the problems Lamberhurst residents were having with power outages at one of his advice surgeries, and wrote to the UK Power Networks chief executive to ask for action to be taken.

The power cuts were being caused by a faulty underground cable which runs through the grounds of Scotney Castle, and around 20 outages were reported to Lamberhurst Parish Council between January and June.

In June alone, residents had to deal with eight power cuts, some of which lasted hours.

Although it has been agreed a new power cable will be installed, archaeological works will have to be undertaken beforehand, which means works are unlikely to be completed within the next year.

It has taken two years for UK Power Networks to reach an agreement with the National Trust and English Heritage on these works.

Mr Clark said: "To wait yet another year for this problem to be resolved was unacceptable, so I was delighted that after contacting its chief executive, Basil Scarsella, UK Power Networks agreed to install an additional cable outside the castle, which could be completed within the next three to five months.

"This should provide a fast and reliable back-up if the main cable fails."