EAST Lancashire residents left cold and in the dark for days following countywide electricity problems could be entitled to compensation.

Hundreds of homes in the area were left without power on New Year's Eve after high winds brought down power lines.

Across Lancashire and Cumbria, 30,000 homes were left without power and by yesterday the problem had still not been solved.

Now furious Darwen residents are calling for compensation and an explanation.

Susan Hennan, of Brandwood Street, in Darwen, said one side of her road had been affected.

She said: "We have got two young children and the little girl is frightened to death.

"She had to sleep with us because she always sleeps with the light on. It isn't funny at all."

Power company United Utilities have had crews working in the affected areas to sort out the problems but admitted there have been delays.

They said that by New Year's Day 27,000 homes had their electricity restored but workers were having to check miles of power line for the faults. Beverly McHugh, also of Brandwood Street, said: "One half of our street and other streets around us have been affected.

"Everything is off. I have had to go out for food and this morning we had to go out for breakfast. All my food in the freezer is gone.

"I am after some compensation, and we want an explanation."

United Utilities has now stated there is money available for some of the residents.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Our workers haven't stopped since 10pm on New Year's Eve. They have continued in quite atrocious conditions to get these supplies back on.

"Unfortunately some people have been off supply for much longer than would be normal. But it's just down to the sheer scale of the problem."

The spokesman revealed there are 'guaranteed standard of service' payments available for residents badly affected, set by industry watchdog Ofgen.

She said: "If people are without power for more than 18 hours they can apply for a payment of £50, plus an extra payment of £75 for subsequent 12 hour periods."

To claim, write to United Utilities, Customer Liaison, Hartington Road, Preston, Lancashire.