Hundreds of homes disconnected after thieves take underground cable in Kelsall

Jan 21 2010 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

MORE than 200 villagers had their phones and internet disconnected when thieves stole telephone cable.

Cheshire Constabulary confirmed phone lines in Kelsall went down at about 11.30pm on Sunday after a large amount of copper cabling was taken.

Homes between Old Coach Road and Chester Road were without telephone and internet services for more than 24 hours while engineers replaced the connection.

Detectives are appealing for information after a dark-blue Land Rover was found abandoned in a field near Yeld Lane which contained the cable in question.

Police spokeswoman Shelley Williams said: “Police are appealing to anyone in the area who may have seen anyone fleeing the vehicle, or anyone behaving suspiciously at the time, to contact Western Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 458 0000.”

Communications provider BT told The Chronicle all customers affected had been reconnected by Tuesday afternoon.

Spokeswoman Emma Tennant said: “We believe a section of underground cable was stolen between Old Coach Road and Chester Road.

“We estimate about 200 customers were without service but as soon as we were alerted to the problem, it was resolved as quickly as possible.

“This kind of incident is extremely unusual for this area.”

Kelsall School and neighbouring Ashton Hayes Primary School were not affected by the cut-off, while local services were also largely unaffected.