Electricity poles are to be felled in the Keswick valley area, as part of an £82,000 investment to move electricity cables underground and improve the view of the local landscape.

Electricity North West, the company that manages the regional power network, will permanently remove five electricity poles identified as being most visually intrusive in the area, whilst replacing a further four.

The work will also involve the installation of almost one kilometre of new cable underneath the ground between Stoneycroft and Swinside Moss. The work is due to be completed by the 31st March.

Electricity North West has worked closely with Cumbria County Council to ensure nearby residents have been kept informed of the planned work. The company will be on hand throughout the project to answer any questions.

Jonathan Booth, asset planning manager at Electricity North West, said: “This project to remove electricity poles in the area will be completed as quickly as possible. Our aim is to carry out the work with minimum disruption to local businesses, residents and visitors to the area.”

Tony Markley, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways, said: “We’re working closely with Electricity North West to look after the stunning landscape of the valley and we welcome these improvements to its visual appearance. I’m sure that visitors and local people will appreciate the work that is being done by our partners to remove overhead lines and open up even better views.”

The work in Keswick is part of five-year £5.4m scheme by Electricity North West to place electricity lines underground to enhance the North West countryside and support local tourism.