Work is underway at a city centre tower block plagued with power problems last November which left residents without lighting and lifts.

Residents of Telford Court in Alma Road, St Albans, which has 60 flats, suffered separate power cuts during a two-day period which were caused by water leaks short circuiting power cables.

Contractors have now begun work - likely to last until the end of February - to replace water main supply pipes.

Further work will be carried out in March to replace the electrical sub mains system which is expected to complete in May.

Residents and their councillors have been involved in discussions about the works with drop-in events being organised at key stages.

Each flat will need to be accessed on several occasions in accordance with the work schedule for the installations to be completed on time.

The council’s housing portfolio holder, Cllr Brian Ellis, said: “The council understands the disruption that the power cuts caused tenants and has apologised for this.

“I thank residents for their patience so far and ask them to continue to bear with us while the work takes place to rectify the problem.”