An attempted theft of underground cables left more than 300 homes and businesses in Bushey without a phoneline.

Carmen Phillips, who owns the family-run business Matthew Aerial and Satellite Systems in Glencoe Road, was among those who lost service.

She said: "Our business relies heavily on the phones working. This is our busiest time of the year, the phones are usually red hot with Christmas coming up and we are losing business because of this.

"We have been here for 45 years and we rely on word of mouth. If customer can't get through to us in the first place, they won't recommend us." 

Engineers are working to locate and repair the cables and many homes had their services restored by the end of last week.

But some, like Derek Smith of Harvest Road, are still waiting.

Mr Smith said: "People trying to contact us have said that the phone keeps ringing but its not actually coming through. And because we haven't answered they have come down to see if we're okay."

BT spokesperson, Paul Hayward said: "Unfortunately we have run into engineering problems, which have delayed repairs to some people.

"We are having to pull in and replace a second cable. We are hoping this will be put in place this evening and then we can start connect those still without service."

BT aim to have all work completed by the end of this week.

Mr Hayward added: "Network security is of paramount importance to us, and BT uses many security measures in the fight against cable theft, including RABIT technology that alerts police within minutes of a cable being cut, anywhere in the UK, and SmartWater, the invisible paint that tags thieves."

BT are working with Crimestoppers and offering up to £1,000 in reward for any information they receive regarding the thefts that leads to an arrest, and a subsequent successful conviction.

Anyone with information should call 0800 555 111.