POWER has finally been restored at an assisted living complex after pensioners were left in darkness for days on end following a small fire.

Residents at Grymes Dyke Court, in Rogation Close, Stanway, had been without electricity since Saturday, after a blaze resulted in a power failure.

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

Following three days without electricity, the Gazette understands the power at the housing facility is now back up and running after repairs were carried out.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: "An EDF Energy engineer attended at 2pm yesterday and has renewed the meter at Grymes Dyke Court, which meant the electricity supply was restored and fully operational."

READ MORE: Pensioners 'left in darkness for days' as assisted living complex suffers power cut

Lesley Scott-Boutell, Colchester councillor for Stanway, however, was not best pleased with how long the repairs took.

She added: “I want to pay tribute to the residents who were affected.

“Also to Colchester Borough Homes for making the best of what was a challenging situation - the care and support they all showed was exemplary. 

“I have been advised the power supply is now restored and safety checks have been carried out.

“I was, however, disappointed by the delay in resolving the problem and do not understand why it took EDF Energy so long to fit the new meter.”

UK Power Networks were also involved in the recovery of the electricity. 

A spokeswoman said: "Engineers worked quickly to restore power to homes in the Stanway area on Saturday following a fault at the local electricity substation 

The majority of customers were back on by 18.35. The remaining customers had their power restored by 20.32. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"We are not aware of any further incidents on our network that would have had an effect on Grymes Dyke Court."

EDF Energy has been contacted for more informaiton.