Businesses were looking forward to a bumper pay day last Monday as thousands flocked to the Old Town to join in the annual Jack in the Green celebrations.

However, they were left counting the cost of yet another inopportune powercut which left a host of bars, restaurants and shops unable to open for the majority of the day.

Power went down at around 1.40pm and did not come on again until nearly 8pm. To make matters worse it took more than five hours for the EDF Energy Networks to send out someone to look at the problem.

This is the latest in a string of electrical problems which have plagued the Old Town as the area's electrical network has repeatedly failed to cope with the additional demand placed on it by busy weekends.

One trader, Neil Winslet, thinks enough is enough.

Mr Winslet, who owns the Unwind Cafe, said: "We are just all so frustrated. This is not a new problem. It happened during the Old Town Carnival and in the four years I have been here we have lost power during three of the Jack in the Greens.

"Personally we lost between £1,200 and £2,000 because of the powercut and other traders will have missed out on more.

"Come the Winter business is slow and we rely on busy days like Monday to see us through. Our takings on Monday would have been the same as a whole week in the Winter.

Mr Winslet was told by EDF the problem was too much electricity was being pulled through the network. Traders are now concerned they should expect similar powercuts throughout the busy Summer season.

Mr Winslet added: "We are worried it could happen again at the next May bank holiday. If it continues not only will it put people off visiting the Old Town - it could put traders out of business."

Old Town councillor Richard Stevens was similarly appalled. He said: "We were given assurances that this could never happen again. Energy bosses told us sufficient work had been carried out to cope with heavy demands so for it to happen again is disgraceful."

A spokesman for EDF said: "EDF sincerely apologises to 24 customers in the High Street area of Hastings for the recent interruption to their supply.

"We are committed to providing a reliable supply of electricity and will be carrying out further investigations."

Council spokesman Caroline Pattenden hoped it would not put people off visiting the Old Town. She said: "Obviously this is a terrible blow to the traders and we would urge EDF to address the situation.

"The Old Town is a unique community and we hope these issues are rectified so the thousands of visitors to Hastings each year are able to enjoy our town at its best."

Do you think these problems could put people off visiting the town? Should EDF be doing more? Leave your comments below.