AN ELECTRICITY substation has been found unlocked two days in a row sparking security fears.

The front gates of the EDF Energy Network site in Tent Peg Lane, Petts Wood, are supposed to be locked at all times.

But as the picture shows both gates were left wide open yesterday meaning anyone could have gained access to the compound.

And today although the gates were closed, the padlock and chain were lying on the ground leaving easy access to the front section.

After a visit to the site by reporter Robert Fisk it is clear that bolt cutters or a lock picking device are all that is needed to get into the buildings.

The problem was first brought to the attention of News Shopper by a dog walker who takes his pet to nearby Jubilee Country Park every day.

He managed to get into the compound yesterday and looked through the windows of a building which he said looked like it was the main control room.

The 53-year-old says the gates are unlocked five per cent of the time when he goes past and that this is five per cent too many.

This security breach comes a year after vandals broke into EDF's site at Dartford and caused a fire which severely damaged four major electricity cables carried on a bridge over Dartford Creek.

The fire caused a power cut last July which affected 94,000 homes and businesses across Dartford, Bexley and part of Orpington.

EDF escaped a £2m fine from Ofgem over last year's power cut.

In a statement issued on Friday (October 29) an EDF spokeswoman said: "Security across our electricity network is a priority.

"Yesterday our staff challenged and stopped someone who had illegally trespassed inside our substation site.

"Today, one of our employees visited the site to drop off some equipment.

"Although on site for just a few minutes, gates were left unlocked.

"However, all our live equipment remained within further security enclosures.

"Although staff were on site at all times we would remind members of the public about the dangers of entering our substation sites.

"Anyone illegally entering our substations, or tampering with our equipment, is not only threatening power supplies, but risking their life and the lives of others who may come into contact with damaged equipment.

"We carried out a full review of security at Dartford and other sites and measures have been implemented where appropriate, but it would be inappropriate to detail those.

"EDF Energy Networks has a widespread security system for its distribution networks.

"This includes both physical measures and education programmes to teach youngsters about the dangers of our equipment.

"Sometimes 24-hour guards are employed, CCTV cameras installed, fencing fitted, locks used as well as other measures.

"We occasionally find that our equipment is the target for thieves and vandals, interrupting supplies to customers.

"EDF Energy Networks is committed to providing our customers with a safe and reliable electricity supply and we take incidents like this very seriously.

"Vandals risk injury and death by tampering with our equipment.

"We will help police with their inquiries and press for prosecution.

"We are reminding staff that regardless of the short duration of their visit they must secure the gates."