Googling "power cut bexley" at time of writing brings up a story from the News Shopper, a local rag down in the South East, regarding the power cut in bexley yesterday which has spilled over into today. The News Shopper? at what point was the News Shopper the most reliable and current source for news? Scroll down to find a reputable news source and you pass the Thurrock Gazette. Thurrock Gazette?? I scream again with incredulity. About the 6th link down in BBC news. Finally.

It look me a while to realise the story was not relevant. It dated back to a power cut in August 2003. Adding the criteria "21 July" to try and find out the state of things today, I found a blog commenting on the media blackout on the subject - This blog seems to have hit on something. Why does a power cut to 3000 homes not make the national news? I’m sure we all appreciate that it might be hard to report on a subject from the area when there’s no power, but that’s what outside broadcast units are for.

Although the above article stresses the news values involved, let me restate them here:

• 3000 homes involved
• spanning across Dartford, Bexley and some of Orpington
• Caused by suspected break-in and arson

There is a very small argument to say that those affected won’t benefit from news on the matter, as they can’t see or hear it. Those of us in the area with smart phones who had reception (as some cell towers were also affected) still want information…

Unhelpfully, GMTV has just run a small news segment, featuring a man against a traffic camera at Trafalgar Square. No, GMTV, Trafalgar Square is not near Bexleyheath.

My girlfriend and I arrived into Welling at 12:20am after having been out and were told there was a rail replacement service from there. Deciding instead to call Aileen’s Dad for a lift, we starting talking (for the first time ever) to our fellow commuters. One had been in the Job Centre in Bexleyheath as an employee. He said it was like the apocalypse. On the drive back through the pockets of blackout (and we even gave this guy a lift as he lived round the corner from us) the apocalypse analogy was further extended when Aileen mentioned the film 28 Days Later. Our new friend then likened the geriatrics waiting fo their Giro’s to shambling zombies beating on the glass to the Job Centre (which, of course, had to close).

Upon arrival home (having dropped off our passenger), we were relieved to find the power cut didn’t stretch as far as us… Which was great until we saw the puddle formed under the fridge and freezer. Too tired to worry about it, it looks like today is clean up day. Added to that, Aileen’s family are still without power (and they only live 5 minutes away). With an electric cooker and microwave, and fridge-freezer out of action, we’re going to have to offer them our facilities to either keep their food fresh or to cook and eat it all now before the power comes back (which may well be tomorrow).

Just about to call work to explain now, but the real issue is the lack of reliable up-to-date information for people who really need it.