WORK to replace underground cable that is responsible for several recent power cuts in a County Durham town is expected to begin soon.

NEDL has announced it is soon to start replacing a section of underground cable in Horsemarket, Barnard Castle.

The announcement comes after 34 shops and homes were left without electricity for almost nine hours on Monday.

It was the fourth time in recent months properties in Horsemarket have been without power.

NEDL says the work is necessary because of an increased demand for power from local businesses.

It is hoped the work will deliver a more secure electricity supply.

A spokesman for NEDL said: "The work was scheduled to take place in November but, in view of the recent interruptions to supplies in this area, we have contacted the highways department of Durham County Council and asked for the necessary permissions so that work can start as soon as possible.

"We anticipate that the work will last four weeks and will be completed by the end of October."

The work will begin in Galgate and continue south to Horsemarket.

To ensure the safety of the workforce and the public, temporary traffic lights may be erected.

The spokesman added: "As we realise the importance of the Wednesday market to the local community, so work will be suspended on a Tuesday evening and recommenced on a Thursday morning thus keeping disruption to a minimum.

"We are committed to completing these works as soon as possible."