Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed has won assurances from Northern Powergrid they will be paying people’s expenses relating to Storm Arwen – separate to compensation people will be entitled to.
Speaking of the assurances the MP said:
“I know Northern Powergrid are sourcing hotels and generators for people and arranging payment, but many people have sourced and booked their own and I wanted to be able to assure them Northern Powergrid would reimburse them. I am pleased to have won those reassurances from them.”
The MP, who spent all of yesterday out with repair and rescue crews, praised the efforts of the workers:
“I have seen first hand the extent of the damage, in so many places the storm has reduced pylons to matchsticks. Engineers have been drafted in from across the UK – some of the guys I was out with yesterday had come over from Northern Ireland – and the conditions they are working in are certainly at the limits of what is safe. Their determination to connect the remaining households is admirable and I was pleased to be able to thank them in person.”
The MP – who is herself still without power – and her team have been working with Northumberland County Council teams, and Northern Powergrid to assist those most vulnerable and organise welfare checks.
“As is so often the case, there are people who are struggling but reluctant to seek help. If you are worried about your neighbours or family members, please let me and my team know, we are able to ensure welfare checks are made, and to help people who need supplies. Please do ensure you have emailed Northern Powergrid if you are still without power. The damage has been so widespread, it is possible there could be issues they are not yet aware of, despite their aerial surveillance. There are just shy of 2,000 people working hard to get people connected again. I continue to offer additional national resources and stand ready to ensure any extra help is available should Northumberland County Council, Northumbrian Water or Northern Powergrid request it.”