Hambledon is facing a weekend of disruption – along with many other parts of the UK – following the high winds that swept across the country yesterday.

Some parts of the village were without power this morning, including Upper Vann and houses on Vann Lane in the direction of Pockford. Some households have power but are awaiting the energy supplier SSE to send teams to deal with trees leaning against power lines.

SSE reports that it is extremely hard pressed, having to deal with a huge number of outages, and it has been inundated with calls to its 105 emergency help line. An alternative contact is 0800 072 7282.

If you know of someone without power – and therefore may not have access to this website at present -please let them know of the above two contact methods, just in case there are unaware.

A glance at SSE’s Twitter feed indicates there are many customers frustrated at the lack of response from the supplier, but others full of praise for its engineers restoring their power. Patience will be required for many. If you know of someone without power, particularly if they are vulnerable or infirm, please call round and check how they are doing. 

Hambledon Parish Council can coordinate any local help that is needed and please contact Stewart Payne on 07831 393561 in the first instance.

Several local roads remained blocked by fallen trees, including Station Lane at Enton, between Hydestile and Milford level crossing.

The tree fell right across the road, taking a power line with it. Police were in attendance overnight to ensure public safety and a team of workmen arrived this morning to begin the clear-up. The road was expected to reopen this afternoon.

At Hambledon Church a tree fell across the entrance to the field parking area, blocking access. Vicar the Rev Simon Willetts is advising worshipers attending Sunday service to allow more time and to find alternative parking.

On all roads in and around Hambledon there is debris, branches and undergrowth protruding on to highways and trees in a dangerous condition, including one leaning low over Tuesley Lane. As gusty winds and rain are forecast for the remainder of the weekend, caution is required.