Chaos hit Christmas shoppers in Wolverhampton this afternoon when a power cut forced two banks to close and blacked out cash machines.

Debit and credit cards were rejected in some shops following the fault.

Hand-written signs were stuck to the doors of HSBC and Lloyds in Queen Square, blaming an underground power fault for the chaos.

Barclays said its customers could deposit and withdraw cash over the counter using a debit card because it is on a different power system to other banks, but that its hole-in-the-wall machines were hit.

Queues of frustrated shoppers built up at cash machines throughout the city centre and outside the branches demanding answers.

Lloyds Bank spokeswoman Sarah Evans said: “A serious power failure has forced the closure of our Wolverhampton Queen Square branch and it will remain shut until power is restored and our security systems are in place.”

Central Networks said the fault hit at around 11am and was continuing this afternoon. It has affected buildings in Queen Square, Princess Street and Lichfield Street.

The problem is believed to be linked to a power cut on Sunday night, which forced pubs including Yates and The Hogs Head to close.

Tesco worker Lee Fhealan, aged 20, from Pattingham, said today: “I am trying to get money out to go Christmas shopping and only had an hour spare.

“No other bank will let me get money out and I’m working all of tomorrow so I have no idea when I am going to get my shopping.”

Marie Burns, aged 47, from Bradmore, said: “If I can’t get money out I won’t be able to do my shopping.”

Central Networks spokesman Jonathan Smith said: “We are trying to sort out the problem as soon as possible. We realise the significance of this day.”