A £182,000 scheme to remove intrusive overhead power lines on Storrs Common, near Ingleton is to get underway later this year.

Electricity North West, the region’s power network operator, plans to take down 750 metres of overhead lines and replace them with 800 metres of new underground line as part of a multi-million pound fund to carry out work in both national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) .

Electricity North West says it has worked closely with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority over which power lines should be replaced.

Jonathan Booth, for Electricity North West, said: “Our electricity network is absolutely fundamental to ensure our customers receive a reliable power supply to their homes and businesses. However, we’re only too aware that this can sometimes impact on the landscape.

“We’re therefore delighted to be undertaking this work, which will not only enhance this beautiful part of the country by removing power lines and poles, but that will ensure the future reliability of supply in a much less imposing way.

Tom Harland, from the national park, said: “Ingleton is an important gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and for visitors travelling up to Ribblehead or starting out on a walk up Ingleborough, Storrs Common is often the first part of the National Park they experience. These overhead wires criss-cross an area of common land with open access and have a negative impact on the landscape. Undergrounding them offers an opportunity to improve the appearance of Storrs Common while maintaining and improving essential infrastructure for the community.”

Mr Booth added: “We remain committed to working closely with the communities within which we operate and will continue to collaborate with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to ensure this work provides the protection this outstanding area deserves for many years to come.”