A POWERCUT has taken hold in Hitchin this evening (Monday), leaving many residents without electricity.

Traffic lights in certain areas are not working, with many households also affected.

UK Power Networks told the Comet: “We’re aware of the powercut, and our engineers are en route. We’ll try and restore people by re-routing power asap.”

And minutes later on Twitter, it added: “Remote switching operations have begun in the Hitchin area to restore power to those affected by the powercut. More updates will follow.”

Known areas affected were Hitchin industrial estate, Walsworth, Bearton and the town centre.

UK Power Networks said it affected the majority of people in the SG4 and SG5 areas.

Many took to Twitter after the cut came in.

Hitchin Victoria tweeted: “POWER CUT! But we can still pour beer.....phew. Cheers to that.”

Around 5.50pm, residents started reporting the power was back on, with the power network confirming the majority of supplies had been restored.

But Cadwell Lane still remains without electricity.

Alison Brooker tweeted: “Still off in Cadwell Lane, a blown fuse at sub station blamed, engineers on way. They estimate 7.30 fixed, fingers crossed.”

UK Power Networks confirmed this on its website.

It said: “Our engineers are working hard to fix the problem and hope to have your power back on by 7.30. This time could change though, as we’ll only know the full picture when our engineers have carried out tests in the area.

“This power cut occurred at approximately 5.30 and is due to a blown fuse at your local substation.

“Engineers have arrived on site to carry out initial investigations.”