Electricity North West, the region’s power network operator, has undergrounded nearly half a kilometre of overhead power lines in the Lake District National Park.

Between 2015 and 2023 the power operator will invest more than £4m in undergrounding 37km of power lines in the Lake District National Park alone.

Jonathan Eggleston, programme delivery manager for Electricity North West, said: “We’re delighted to be able to enhance the local landscape so everyone can enjoy this beautiful part of Cumbria.

“Our electricity network is vital to ensure our customers across the North West receive a reliable power supply to their homes and businesses, but we do understand that sometimes power lines can impact the local landscape.

“We’re committed to working with the communities in which we operate and we will continue to work closely with the Lake District National Park Authority to help further protect this stunning area.”

Friends of the Lake District, overhead wires officer, Amanda McCleery, said: “Skiddaw is the attractive back drop to this rural landscape, so it is great to get the poles and wires removed.

“Friends of the Lake District appreciates the hard work put into such undergrounding schemes by multiple staff within Electricity North West, from the first site survey to the last pole being taken down.”

Chris Greenwood, on behalf of the Lake District National Park Authority, said:
“The beautiful landscape across the Lake District is an important resource and we must do what we can to ensure that essential services, like the power network, are delivered in a way that doesn’t detract from our most sensitive landscapes.

“Working closely with Electricity North West to try and remove some of these overhead lines is an important part of that process.”