Power lines near a Cumbrian village have been moved underground by the region’s power network operator.
Electricity North West has invested £200k to remove the assets in the village of Helton as part of its undergrounding programme.
The programme, which is due to finish in spring, will eventually see more than 30km of overhead power lines removed and undergrounded throughout the Lake District.
The completed work, totalling close to £4m, is part of an undergrounding allowance from Ofgem.
Tracey Cuthbertson, who oversees underground schemes for Electricity North West in Cumbria, said: “We’re delighted to be able to enhance the local landscape by removing these power lines and wood poles so everyone can enjoy this beautiful part of Cumbria.
“The North West’s power network is one of the most reliable in the world and we want to maintain the best supply to our customers. At times, we do understand the overhead lines can impact the local landscapes and that’s why we utilise the scheme to underground overhead lines where possible.
“We’ll continue to work with the Lake District National Park Authority to identify other areas which may benefit from seeing overhead lines removed and undergrounded.”
The Lake District National Park Authority has surveyed the electricity lines in the National Park and the most feasible are then submitted to Electricity North West to be incorporated in the undergrounding programme.
Tim Duckmanton, on behalf of the Lake District National Park Authority said: “Our essential work with Electricity North West, in the sensitive Lake District landscape, ensures that whilst the power network is maintained it doesn’t detract from the natural beauty of the place. We will continue to work together to identify more sites within the National Park.”
Friends of the Lake District overhead Wires Officer, Amanda McCleery, added: “These poles and wires were right by both the Lowther Castle walking trail, which is part of the Ullswater Way, and the Askham Fell cycling trail which makes it a popular area for walkers and cyclists, with beautiful views south down the Lowther valley, so it is great to get these overhead lines removed.
“Friends of the Lake District appreciates the hard work put into such undergrounding schemes by multiple staff within Electricity North West, from when the site is first surveyed to when the last pole is taken down.”
