TOWN centre businesses in Darlington have been hit by a power cut.

Six shops on Horsemarket, from Caffe Nero to Pizza Hut were forced to close at 9.40am today (Monday, May 20) when the lights went out.

The basement of the Covered Market has also been affected, as have some stalls, but business is continuing as usual.

Darlington’s town clock is linked up to the same supply and has stopped, but will restart automatically once power is restored and the time reaches 9.40 again.

An unexpected fault caused the powercut and workmen are currently at the scene working to reconnect the supply.

It is expected to be fixed within the next two hours.