A hush fell over St Albans council offices on Tuesday after a suppliers’ problem led to a two-hour period when the phones lines were down.

The shutdown affected all phones from the switchboard to individual numbers but a telephone message on the main number told callers that there was a problem. Information was also posted on the website.

The phones were off from around 11am until 1pm and a spokesman said: “It was unfortunate and we apologise to anyone who had difficulties as a result.”