From 9th January 1972, miners from the 289 pits in the U.K. were on strike over pay. Because of the very close proximity to the pits of South East Durham, Hartlepool shops and businesses suffered more that some other areas of the country.
In addition, the coal businesses in the town were heavily picketed by miners from the area.
A State of Emergency was called on February 9th 1972. coal supplies were dwindling and this coincided with cold weather. Hartlepool and south east Durham were given code numbers as shown on this list. From February 9th 1972, Hartlepool Mail published a list showing when areas would have no electricity that day.
In some cases, shops did not open during those hours and if there was to be no electricity at the start of the day, schools would be closed for part of the day.
More detail »Using the key to areas, the public were able to see daily when there was to be no electric power in their area that day.
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