The final phase of an £82,000 project to improve the landscape in the Keswick valley area by removing overhead electricity cables is taking place tomorrow (Thursday 3 May).

Electricity North West, the company that manages the regional power network, is permanently removing five electricity poles between Stoneycroft and Swinside Moss, to improve the view for local residents and visitors to the area.

The power lines, which have been in place for over 50 years and serve a major part of the valley, have been replaced with half a kilometre of underground cable. The improvements mean that the cable will be less vulnerable to damage and extreme weather conditions.

The switchover is due to be completed on Thursday 3 May.

Electricity North West has worked closely with local landowners to ensure the work has been carried out with as little disruption as possible.

Jonathan Booth, asset planning manager at Electricity North West, said: “We’ve worked hard to ensure the project has been completed as quickly and smoothly as possible.

“This will dramatically improve the look and landscape of the area and increase the future security of the network for local residents.”

A further investment of £52,000 has been secured in the Swinside Moss area for another four electricity poles to be taken down later in the year and replaced with underground cable.

Chris Greenwood, from the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “We’ve worked closely with Electricity North West to bring about these improvements to the area. I’m sure that visitors and local people will appreciate the work that is being done 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.