Almost 1,000 people were hit by a huge power cut across High Wycombe this morning, forcing Wycombe Leisure Centre to be “evacuated” and leaving drivers stranded with traffic lights out at Handy Cross roundabout.

For most residents, the power has now been switched back on, but some will have to wait until at least 5pm after workmen cut through a cable in the Daws Hill area.

A large part of the town suffered from the power outage, with Wycombe Leisure Centre evacuating people from the swimming pool and closing its doors to the public earlier this afternoon.

The problem struck late this morning at about 11.45am and caused traffic problems at the roundabout and in other parts of the town.

In total about 900 homes were affected.

Scottish and Southern Energy has now confirmed engineers are on the scene, but power will remain off for some people until at least 5pm when a back-up generator is brought to the area.

Traffic lights at Handy Cross roundabout are also back on now.

Wycombe Leisure Centre, which was set to be busy today because of the half term holiday, has confirmed it had to close, while Waitrose relied on emergency generators.

Residents have reported widespread disruption, including petrol stations being forced to close.

Cressex resident Jan Lancaster said: “All the power went out around here at about quarter to 12.

“I had nothing else to do so thought I’d go for a swim. I was driving to the leisure centre and pretty much all the lights were out.

“About half of the lights were working at Handy Cross roundabout, but the other half are all out.

“When I got to the leisure centre, it was all closed and the pool had been evacuated.

"It’s a nightmare because they’ll be really busy this week with all the kids off for half term.”

Ms Lancaster added: “The traffic lights could cause a few problems. With Handy Cross it’s probably better if all the lights are out, but because some are working no one knows who should go when.

“Most of the lights on Marlow Hill aren’t working too.”

Staff at Wycombe Leisure Centre said they were told they would be updated by engineers at about 2.15pm.

Have you been affected? Comment below, tweet us @bucksfreepress or call Andrew Colley on 01494 755089.

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