Businesses in Cheam have been plagued by power cuts and face thousands of pounds worth of damages.

Throughout the summer roadworks hampered businesses around the Broadway and High Street which was reported by this newspaper.

However, despite an end to the roadworks, residents and business owners have been left with recurring electrical problems.

Charlotte Harris, 33, is the owner of Village Ceramics on Station Way and estimates she has incurred around £2,000 worth of damages.

She said: "My business is in dire straits, I can't fire my kilns.

"During October half term, I struggled to get peoples pieces done. It is my busiest time as people are making Christmas presents. I had to go down to SCOLA and ask to use their kilns.

"It has been really difficult; I'm five months pregnant and trying to get through the recession.

"My business has spent 15 years earning a good reputation and this is going to be really bad for business."

One particular power surge on November, 3, broke the electrical controllers of Mrs Harris' kilns causing them to keep burning and frazzle the contents.

George Constantinou, 48, owner of Caffe Neo on the Broadway, estimates that they threw out around £400-600 worth of fresh food when their fridges cut out.

Cheam councillor, Mary Burstow said: "The traders have really suffered; I feel very strongly that they put up with a lot during the summer.

“It’s only fair that the traders should be compensated, especially as the company in question did not alert them.”

A spokesperson from UK Power Networks, apologised for the fluctuating levels of electricity supplies and short power failures: "We have undertaken work on underground distribution cables and reconfigured the network in the area to ensure that the supplies are returned to their usual reliable state.

"We believe we have solved the problem but will continue to monitor the area to ensure this is the case."

"Roadworks which were carried out to enable our engineers to work on the cables should be completed soon, with road surfaces reinstated."