A NEWPORT woman has spoken of her concern for her pet snake after power cuts in Alway.

Cheryl Forster, of Aberthaw Road, said power cuts on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights had meant complete worry for her and her family because their corn snake, Star, depends on an electric heat mat to keep his body temperature level.

Two power cuts affected Mrs Forster and other residents on Tuesday and Wednesday night, lasting around an hour and a half, and an hour, respectively.

The 45-year-old said the unusually hot weather had been the only reason Star had been able to survive.

“He can go without the heat for about an hour usually before his body temperature goes down and he goes into a critical stage," she said.

“If the temperatures drop and the power cuts happen again Star may not be able to keep his temperature constant which he needs to survive.

“He’s a member of the family and he and my son have a great relationship, so I can’t imagine life without him.”

She added: "At the moment as its quite hot he has been okay. I'm glad it has been so warm over the past few days now.

“But I also have to make sure that he doesn’t overheat as well because his body temperature has to be constant. The heat mat is electric so I have to keep checking it.”

The Argus got in touch with Western Power Distribution (WPD) regarding the power cuts, and the company said it is currently installing new substation equipment.

A temporary generator is being used in the interim, and WPD said it was this which unexpectedly cut out on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "While the work is being completed, the 205 customers fed from the substation have been put onto a temporary generator.

"Unfortunately, on Tuesday evening, at approximately 8.15pm, the generator faulted. Our engineers were quickly on site and all customers were back on supply within the hour.

“The temporary generator faulted again on Wednesday evening, at 9.15pm, and all customers were restored by 10.15pm."

The work will be completed tomorrow, with WPD saying its customers had been notified that they will be off supply for a short period of time while alterations are made at the substation.

WPD apologised for any inconvenience to customers.