Overhead power lines and wood poles have been removed by the region’s power network operator.
Electricity North West has invested £200k to remove the assets in 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, the energy regulator.
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.”
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, added: “The beautiful landscape across the Lake District is an important resource and we must do what we can to ensure that essential services, like the power network, are delivered in a way that doesn’t detract from our most sensitive landscapes.
“We’ve got a positive relationship with Electricity North West and we’ll continue to work closely to identify more sites within the Lake District.
Friends of the Lake District Overhead Wires Officer, Amanda McCleery, said: “The wood poles and overhead lines were in close proximity to 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.
“The area has plenty of scenic views and we’re really pleased that the overhead lines have been removed. We appreciated the hard work and time invested into the schemes and we’re excited to see more work completed in the future.”
