Snettisham residents’ swift action keeps villagers safe from severed power line

Snettisham residents’ swift action keeps villagers safe from severed power line

The emergency services were called to a power line near the Primary School and Royal British Legion Hall in the village.

At lunchtime on Monday (15th July) customers visiting the Coastal Health & Wellbeing Community Supermarket in the Royal British Legion Hall, that is near Snettisham Primary School and the playing field, heard a loud bang and saw a flash of bright light accompanied by a plume of smoke, viewed through the open fire doors, coming from the base of the telegraph pole opposite. At the same time all power and lights in the hall shut down.

Thanks to the swift action of parishioners Eric and Anthea Langford, who were in the hall at the time, and Clive Killough, the Hall Maintenance Lead, who arrived soon after the bang, the customers were led to safety, the emergency services alerted, and no-one was injured.

The Police and UK Network repair teams were soon at the scene and the blue and white tape put in place to keep people away from the danger.

WEB Eric

Eric Langford said: “It transpired that a council volunteer had been cutting back the weeds and grass alongside the metal fence and pathway and cut clean through the main power line feeding the RBL Hall with a power strimmer.

“The volunteer was rather shocked and a few of the customers were happy to receive a comforting cup of tea from the remaining warm water in the kitchen!

“By 2.30pm a senior technician confirmed the village had a serious problem with a live cable exposed that must be kept 5 meters away from humans and animals until the exposed cable end was isolated.

“He explained that, while highly improbable... but not impossible, should the live cable end come in contact with the adjoining metal fence then the whole length of the fence, including the kissing gate, could become live to human touch or dogs relieving themselves!”

WEB power cable 2

As 3pm approached the Primary school was informed of the potential danger for Mums and children leaving the school and told that secure fencing had been placed around the base of the telegraph pole.

The community foodbank manger said: “I’m so pleased the RBL members were there and sorted out the phone calls and informed the school.”

“All together six UK Power Vans with engineer crews were on site until around 8pm when the site and Hall were declared safe and returned to full working order. 

"Assurances have been given the footpath will be fully repaired and tarmacadamed shortly.” Eric added.

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