The project, which will start next week, will upgrade 7.4 km of underground oil filled power cables, with new environmentally friendly electricity cables.

Most of the power network was installed in the 1960s, including oil-filled cables and Electricity North West are investing in replacing these cables across the North West.

John Pietsch, transmission south manager for Electricity North West, said: “We not only take great pride in keeping the power on in Stalybridge, but also that we do it in an environmentally conscious way.

“These cables have been in place since 1960 and they have served the area well but it’s now time for our engineers to ensure that continues by upgrading these aging cables which run alongside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and River Tame.”

Traffic management has been agreed with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and any disruption will be kept to a minimum and advance notice will be located on any roads which will be closed during this essential project.

If anyone living in the area has any queries about the project, they are advised to call Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141.