At least a dozen businesses in Surbiton's main shopping street were affected by a powercut today, leaving many unable to open.

Electricity was out in Victoria Road, affecting at least half the shops between Surbiton station and the junction with St Andrews Road.

Staff at the Carphone Warehouse were locked out as the security shutters are electronically operated.

The T Mobile shop next door had some power but the tills and computer systems were out of action.

A staff member said: “This is Friday, one of our busiest days, especially now that everyone has been paid.

"We had to turn away at least five people in the first few hours, which for a small store like us is a lot."

Nesti Kolovos, manager of Allegro restaurant, was forced to close all morning after lighting in the restarant and toilets went out.

He said: "I'm very stressed. We have bookings for 20 people at lunchtime and we don't know what to do."

Banks in Victoria Road were badly affected. Halifax and Abbey closed completely and staff at Barclays struggled on with no heating.

After several hours in the dark, power was believed to have been restored to all businesses by about 2pm this afternoon.

• Were you affected by the power cut? Let us know in the comments section below.