Carlisle city centre was thrown into chaos today as a huge power cut hit hundreds of properties.

Electricity North West was alerted to the problem at 9.45am.

In total, 506 customers were affected.

The power cut forced many shops and businesses in the city centre – including those in English Street, Lowther Street, Bank Street, Victoria Viaduct and the train station area – to close their doors to customers.

Problems were also caused for motorists as many of the city centre’s network of traffic lights were not working due to the fault.

The company said the power cut was originally reported by people in the James Street area.

The problems were caused by a high voltage fault which led to crucial equipment being damaged, according to the spokesman.

Engineers were immediately dispatched to the scene in an attempt to restore power quickly.

Power was restored to most properties by 11.30am.

A number of businesses and organisations said their phone lines were down, forcing them to close temporarily for health and safety reasons.

Robyn Nixon, of Nixon’s Pet Shop in Bank Street, said: “We have been told that it could be off until 11.45am but we’ve also been told it could be longer.

“We’re just waiting to see what happens.

“We had just opened and served people but now we’re having to stay closed until it is back on because of health and safety.”

English Street was also said to be bustling as shoppers were unable to go into many of the businesses.

Many of the stores had staff placed on shop entrances informing customers of the problems.

There was also a large queue for the cash machine outside Marks & Spencer, one of the few stores still open, because many others elsewhere were out of action.

Jane Key had travelled from her home in Silloth to meet up for some city centre shopping with her mother Margaret Allington, of Upperby, and friend Alison Fitzsimmons, of Mardale Road in Raffles.

Jane said: “I’d come all the way through to get something from New Look to wear for a night out tomorrow. Now everywhere in town I want to go to is shut so we’re heading off to Matalan to see how we get on there.”