THERE is concern in Winchester that a power cut in the city centre could hit tonight's Christmas lights switch-on.

Power went off at around 3.15pm and SSE say 1,583 customers are affected in Upper Brook Street and St George's Street.

The traffic at the junction by the entrance to The Brooks shopping centre are out of action.

The lights switch-on is due to take place this evening at 6pm about 100 yards away in the Broadway.

An SSE spokesperson said that engineers are on their way to the scene.

The power firm says it is too early to say what caused the blackout.