Hundreds of NTL punters were without TV, phone and Internet services last night after cables were severed in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.

Punters in nearby Harlow and Sawbridgeworth were also among those plunged into digital darkness last night.

According to NTL, a utility company cut through cables yesterday lunchtime. The incident wasn't reported immediately and because of a suspected gas leak, NTL engineers weren't able to begin repairing the damage until midnight.

Services were up and running by around 7.30am this morning although there are still "small pockets" where services have yet to be restored.

A spokeswoman said that "hundreds, not thousands" were wiped out by the incident.

Separately, the cableco has declined to comment on reports that the cost of its 1MB service is to increase from £34.99 to £37.99 a month.

Details of the price hike are expected to be announced on 7 April, according to postings on Cable Forum. ®