Electricity North West – the region’s power network operator – removed 870 metres of overhead power lines at Tottle Bank crossroads in Colton parish last month at a cost of £142,000.

Lake District National Park Authority, assisted by Friends of the Lake District, provide Electricity North West with information about which electricity lines intrude most on the beautiful landscapes of the National Park.

Schemes deemed feasible then form part of an 8 year programme, funded by an undergrounding allowance from the regulator Ofgem.  By the time the current 8 year programme finishes in 2023, over 40 km of electricity power lines will have been undergrounded within the 2 National Parks and 3 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty of Cumbria.

Friends of the Lake District’s Overhead Wires Officer, Amanda McCleery, said,

Friends of the Lake District works closely with Lake District National Park Authority to flag up to Electricity North West lines that intrude on our beautiful landscapes. It is great to see.

Paul McGonigle, programme delivery manager for Electricity North West, said “

This major investment brings great benefits to the area by not only helping to safeguard electricity supplies, but it also enhances the beautiful landscape of the Lake District National Park.

We are committed to working with the communities in which we operate and we will continue to work with the Friends of the Lake District and the Lake District National Park to help further protect this stunning area.

Andrew Herbert, Natural Environment Strategy Adviser for the Lake District National Park Authority, added “

After months in the planning, it is always gratifying to see such changes for the better, not least in such an intimate landscape as this.”