A TRAVELLER in York claims his community is being treated like second-class citizens after several families were forced to spend another cold night without electricity.

John Smith said a number of caravans were left for hours without any power at the Clifton Moor site off Water Lane, after enduring similar cold nights over recent weeks because of a fault with underground cables.

Mr Smith, who shares his caravan with his wife, Coralene, and four children, including five-year-old twins, told the Evening Press about the cut, on Thursday: "We have been plunged into darkness. The electricity has been off and on for hours. I rang the firm who supply the generators and was told it was a problem with underground cabling.

"They said they couldn't get here until between 8am and 10pm the next day. We have to go without electricity throughout that period.

"We are in darkness and the kids are cold. There's food in the fridge, but we will have to throw it away.

"It is not nice sitting here with a television you can't watch. What are we meant to do?"

The problem had been ongoing for about three to four weeks, and he said that his sister Julie, who has a young daughter with cerebral palsy, was among the families affected.

"It is unreal. My wife has gone out to get candles. You wouldn't tolerate this down a street. We are being treated like second-class citizens. People are fed up with it."

A City of York Council spokeswoman said the council became aware in December of a major problem with the electricity supply to Clifton travellers' site, which would require an emergency application to upgrade the mains supply. This application has been submitted as a matter of priority.

Meanwhile, the demand on the mains supply for the site has been reduced by powering some plots from large generators. Two heavy duty generators, plus storage tanks for fuel, have been put in place. These hold 500 gallons and 400 gallons of fuel (red diesel) respectively.

The spokeswoman said: "Since the equipment was placed on site the council has supplied substantial quantities of fuel - far greater than was anticipated for typical usage - to keep the generators up and running. Support workers have recently been on site to monitor the fuel levels and the next delivery is due today.

"Should the generators stop working due to lack of fuel or mechanical breakdown, the council will offer residents affected by the loss of electricity alternative temporary accommodation, subject to availability."

The number to call for emergency breakdown of generators is APlant on 01652 637777, or council staff can be phoned at the hostels in Howe Hill, on 01904 781868, or Ordnance Lane, on 01904 553180.

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, January 04, 2005