Work is now under way on a major electrical project which will enhance and upgrade the power network in Cumbria.

Engineers from SP Electricity North West have started work on the next stage of its £14m Westmorland project.

Teams will work to install 11km of new 33,000-volt underground electricity cables while a new substation will also be built.

The significant investment will increase the capacity, resilience and reliability of the electricity network in the area which will benefit thousands of residents, businesses and tourists.

Charlotte Pearson, who is overseeing the project in the Westmorland area for SP Electricity North West, said: “As the region’s power network operator, we are investing in the network to make it more efficient and flexible so we can support growth and allow customers to adopt low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

“Cumbria has ambitious targets aiming to be net zero by 2037. We want to be proactive so we can support the county towards a cleaner and greener future.

“The work we’re carrying out is an extensive engineering project and I’m glad it is now under way. Throughout the work we’ll ensure we keep residents and businesses up to date and we aim to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Already, nine kilometers of underground duct (which the cable sits in) has been installed, and once teams have completed work on the new substation, work will progress on the final two kilometers.

Engineers started work along the C3073 connecting Roundthwaite and Orton village on August 11 for approximately seven months.

While work takes place, a one-lane closure will be used for the first five weeks, so engineers can work safely in the highway.