A record investment is to be made in Oldham with £13m being spent upgrading the power network.

Power network operator Electricity North West will carry out the work which will see 6km of underground cables replaced.

In what is a significant investment which will transform the 132,000-volt electricity infrastructure throughout Oldham and the surrounding areas, more than 42,000 homes and businesses will benefit from the new electricity supply which will see older, oil filled cables replaced with more modern cables.

Vincent Cranny, Electricity North West’s head of capital programme delivery, said: “Customer service is one of our main priorities and we pride ourselves on providing a safe and reliable supply to people throughout the region.

“The investment we are making is significant; it is a major piece of engineering work which will see several kilometres of underground cables replaced.

“Upgrading the infrastructure will help attract new businesses and investment whilst also allowing homes and businesses to adopt low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

“We are working very closely with the local council top keep disruption to a minimum and will ensure residents and businesses are kept updated during the work.”

Work is expected to start in June and Electricity North West will communicate with residents and businesses once the traffic management programme has been agreed.