VILLAGERS will be left without power for hours today as engineers carry out planned work.

A planned outage will affect properties in the CM7 4 postcode area, which includes Great Bardfield, Finchingfield, Wethersfield, Blackmore End, and Cornish Hall End.

A statement on the UK Power Networks website says: "We're carrying out planned work in your area. For our engineers to carry it out safely they need to turn the power off.

"We're doing this work as it's essential to provide reliable electricity supplies to your area. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience."

Braintree and Witham Times: Affected area - CM7 4 postcode areaAffected area - CM7 4 postcode area (Image: UK Power Networks)

The energy distributor would've contacted affected residents in advance.

The power in CM7 4 will be switched off at 9am and it is estimated it will be switched back on between 12.30pm and 1.30pm today.