CHRISTMAS Day power outages in rural East Thurrock have prompted its MP to call for action by UK Power Networks and the government to ensure future continuity of service.

Bulphan, Orsett, and Horndon-on-the-Hill residents reported power outages lasting for hours, at a time in the day when many would have been preparing their family dinners.

James McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, says: "The last thing anyone wants to have to work around or worry about is a power cut and there is scarcely a worse time to have one than in the middle of cooking your Christmas dinner.

"We have some of the most expensive energy prices in the world. The idea that we would tolerate unreliable service as well is beyond reason."

Following the reports, Mr McMurdock has written to the Energy Department, requesting information on the number of recent power cuts impacting the constituency, and querying the Government's plan to strengthen the areas energy infrastructure, to cater to current energy demands.

He added: "The current standards we have for energy security in our villages is not good enough. No-one in the constituency should not be punished for normal rates of energy usage. I will be pressing UK Power Networks and the Energy Department for immediate remedial action, and I encourage all constituents who have been impacted by recent power cuts to contact me. My team and I are always happy to help."

Mr McMurdock encourages constituents affected to contact him at [email protected].