A WOMAN who set up a small dog grooming business in Timperley is hopping mad after the latest in a series of power and water cuts.

Emily Hunter, 21, who established dog grooming firm Short, Bark and Sides at Manway Business Park, in March, of last year, has faced hours of blackout along with dozens of firms, after contractors, believed to be working on a nearby housing development, went through electric cables again.

In the latest incident on Wednesday (Jan 7), a power cut affected hundreds of residents and businesses.

A frustrated Emily said: "Since I first set up the electricity supply has been off at least six times and the water has been cut for a similar reason twice.

"It has meant hours of being without supplies and I need both to run my dog grooming business.

"On one occasion I had just shampooed a dog when the water went off and I had to send it home not properly washed. The latest cuts to power meant I had to cancel or rearrange appointments and it doesn't make me look very professional with clients. Not only that, it is losing me and other traders money every time this occurs."

A spokeswoman for Electricity NW said: "It does appear that the same contractors have accidentally damaged an underground cable again, the same as what happened in the summer.

"Our engineers have spoken to the contractors and also the council have reportedly been on site as well.

"The power cut affected 755 customers at 11.05am on January 7. Our engineers quickly arrived on site and restored power to 164 customers at 12.19pm and then restored the remaining customers at 12.41pm."

"We have fully liaised with the contractors on this matter, but if customers would like any further information they can contact us 24/7 on 0800 195 4141 or @ElectricityNW.