Jurassic Coast power lines to go

Some 6.2 miles (10km) of overhead cables and poles will be removed

Miles of power lines are to be removed from a World Heritage site in Dorset to improve the landscape.

Southern Electric will take down 6.2 miles (10km) of overhead cables and wooden poles along the Jurassic Coast.

They are being replaced by underground cables, which have already been laid through fields and will be switched on early next year.

The changes are designed to improve the appearance of the landscape and produce a more reliable electricity supply.

The work has been paid for by a �412,000 grant from industry regulator Ofgem to Southern Electric Power Distribution.

Greg Moore, project planner, said: "Every year, areas which could benefit from the removal of overhead lines are nominated by Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) officials.

Removing power lines from this very sensitive landscape will increase everyone's enjoyment Dorset AONB

"This site really stood out as it's one of the most picturesque parts of south Dorset - and that is why it secured funding.

"This is one of the largest engineering projects we have worked on this year and it's been very satisfying to have overcome a number of challenges."

Replacement underground electricity cables have been laid using a mole plough, which causes minimal environmental disruption.

In other areas engineers have used a directional drill governed by a GPS satellite navigation system.

Sarah Bentley, spokesman for the Dorset AONB, said: "We are absolutely delighted that this scheme is going ahead.

"Removing power lines from this very sensitive landscape will increase everyone's enjoyment and appreciation of our spectacular coast."

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