Homeowners suffered a series of power cuts over the weekend while a temporary generator has brought further misery.

UK Power Networks have completed repairs to a sub-station in Porters Park Drive in Shenley, but only after neighbours endured “around five or six” power cuts at the weekend.

Although the power has been fully restored, a generator has been causing issues for people living close by in Juniper Gardens, including Hertsmere borough councillor Anthony Spencer.

After the “noisy” generator reportedly caught fire, smoke which billowed in to the air has left oil all over nearby cars, claims Cllr Spencer.

He said when he went outside, there was a “thin fume of oil” over his car which has cost him £50 to clean. His wife’s car needs cleaning too.

Cllr Spencer said: “It has been power cuts galore because of a sub-station failure. Around six or seven I’d say – the number has been ridiculous. They’ve installed this new generator which makes a phenomenal noise and has been leaking oil. I’ll be seeking compensation for the cost of cleaning the car.”

A spokeswoman for UK Power Networks said: “The fault in an underground cable at Shenley substation was fixed around 1pm on Monday. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

“We are currently liaising with customers in the area after a generator we were using developed a fault.”