Engineers from Electricity North West have removed 980m of overhead power lines and 21 electricity poles which have been a firm fixture in the Loaning Head and Raise Bank areas of Alston for almost 70 years.

Working closely with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership engineers replaced the overhead lines with 959m of underground cable to help improve the views for local residents and visitors to the area.

Paul McGonigle, programme delivery manager for Electricity North West, said: “These power lines and electricity poles have been part of the local landscape since the 1950s and they have served the area well.

“We are delighted to bury these power lines and to continue our successful partnership with the North Pennines AONB Partnership to give a new lease of life to the scenery for local residents and businesses to enjoy for years to come.”

A further project costing £230,000 is currently under way and will remove another 1.7km of overhead power line in the Coatley Hill area before Autumn.

Simon Wilson, planning and strategic access officer for North Pennines AONB Partnership, said: “Power lines and poles can have a significant negative impact on natural beauty.
“The quality of the landscape is extremely important in supporting the tourist economy of places like Alston Moor within the AONB and this work by our partners Electricity North West ensures that these special places are conserved for our and future generations to enjoy.

“Of particular note is the high quality of the schemes that Electricity North West undertake and their efforts to ensure minimum disturbance to local residents throughout.”