Power lines disappear from view in Yorkshire Dales (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Power lines disappear from view in Yorkshire Dales

12:40pm Saturday 10th October 2009 in

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PICTURESQUE views near one of the Yorkshire Dales' most famous peaks could soon look even better.

More than 5.2km of overhead power lines at the foot of Whernside, near Ingleton, are being replaced with under-ground cables which won't spoil the view.

The scheme – at Kingsdale – is part of a £5m initiative to remove overhead lines in areas of high landscape value like national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Some 61 separate spans of overhead line and 60 wooden poles between Twisleton Hall and Kingsdale Head are being removed in what is the biggest scheme of its kind being undertaken by United Utilties.

Electricity engineer Eamon Robinson, said: "The work is taking place at the foot of Whernside, which is the highest of the Yorkshire Dales' famous Three Peaks. It is inside a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an area also known for its archaeological significance.”

Archaeologists are keeping a watching brief throughout the work, which started in July and is expected to take six months.

Although the bulk of the work takes place in grassland, the new cable will need to cross Kingsdale Beck and Thornton Lane.

“These power lines have provided a vital service for isolated communities in Kingsdale for many years.

"The new cables will do the same job, but the landscape will look like the power lines had never been there,” Mr Robinson added.