COLCHESTER pensioners living in an assisted living facility have been left in darkness for days after a fire damaged the building's electricity meter.

Residents at Grymes Dyke Court, in Rogation Close, Stanway, have been unable use any of their basic appliances since Saturday, following a power failure caused by a small blaze.

The apartment building, which is run by Colchester Borough Homes, does not use any gas, so everything from cookers to refrigerators has been out of action.

Many of the elderly tenants initially, therefore, had to go without food, including Mrs Kendrick’s 90-year-old dad who has kidney issues.

She said: “They are really worried and they are in darkness. They cannot cook because there is no gas, their phones are running out of battery and they have had no lights or television.

“Their food has gone off in the fridges and freezers. I spoke to my dad and he said some sandwiches have been dropped off and they are going to send some sausage and mash."

Bosses at Colchester Council and Colchester Borough Homes have said they are now attempting to restore temporary electricity using a generator. 

The electricity supply will then need to be properly reconnected by EDF Energy, whose engineers were scheduled to visit the site on Tuesday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “We have been working with Colchester Borough Homes to support tenants 24 gours a day since the electricity has been off.

"Staff are on site during the day and night, and continue to provide reassurance, hot food and drinks, plus refrigeration for medication.

“We’d like to say thank you to the friends and relatives of our residents and the local people who have provided accommodation and support.

"Our staff will continue to support tenants and their families.”    

Julie Young, Colchester councillor responsible for housing and communities, said she has been following the ongoing situation.

She added: “I have been kept fully up to date over the weekend about this issue.

"Grateful thanks must be extended to family and friends who have supported tenants and to staff who have been supporting tenants at this sheltered scheme”