Power to people in blackout ‘victory’

Published: 2 April 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

ST John’s Wood residents are claiming a victory in a battle against energy giant EDF Energy, after sealing an 11th-hour agreement to postpone a planned blackout.

The company were due to cut electricity to more than 120 households in Eyre Court, Finchley Road, today (Friday) in a move deeply unpopular  at the start of a bank holiday weekend. Frantic negotiations between EDF, the neighbouring American School where the “emergency” works were due to take place, and the Conservative West­minster North Parliamen­tary candidate Joanne Cash ended in a break­through for residents.

Denise Zalocosta, chairwoman of Eyre Court residents association, said: “This is a great victory. It would have been terrible to do this on a public holiday and we can only thank the American School, who were very under­standing, and Joanne Cash for their efforts.”

Ms Cash added: “It is just a shame they have only changed their minds after being put under pressure.”