Electricity North West, the region’s power network operator, will be removing 750m of overhead power lines and installing almost 700m of underground cable on Rockcliffe Marsh, part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Costing approximately £95,000 to complete, the scheme is part of a multimillion pound fund to improve the landscape in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks.
Working closely with Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Electricity North West helped identify and assess the electricity lines on Rockcliffe Marsh which, if removed, would have the most significant positive impact.
Jonathan Eggleston, Delivery Manager for Electricity North West, said: “We all know how critical our electricity network is in ensuring people throughout the North West have access to a reliable power supply, at home and at work. We’re also aware of the impact this can have on our locally and nationally important landscapes, particularly in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks.
“By completing this work on Rockcliffe Marsh, we will not only enhance an already picturesque part of the region by removing power lines and poles, we will also help secure the future reliability of supply in a much more visually appealing way.
“This project represents our commitment to working closely with our communities to ensure they remain connected while protecting and preserving the outstanding areas that make up our beautiful region.”
Naomi Hewitt, Manager of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, added: “As one of the largest areas of saltmarsh in Cumbria, Rockcliffe Marsh has become home to a vast array of important birdlife, while also being recognised for the quality of its landscape and its significant historic and scientific interest as part of the Solway Coast AONB. As such, we were keen to minimise the impact of overhead wires in this area.
“Moving these power cables underground will help improve vital infrastructure for the local community while conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area.”
The work will commence later this year.
The network operator is also undertaking a £182,000 project to remove 750m of overhead power lines and install 800m of new underground line near Ingleton, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park which borders Cumbria.
