Workmen repair East Lancashire's aging pylons (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Workmen repair East Lancashire's aging pylons

2:00pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News By Jessica Cree, Education reporter

THEY’RE seen by many as a blot on the countryside.

But workmen with a head for heights are currently building new electricity pylons to replace dozens of 50-year-old structures in East Lancashire.

Passers-by have seen scaffolding, and netting, draped above the M65 at the Junction 8 turn-off to Huncoat and Hapton while the £2.2million renovation takes place.

Electricity North West is carrying out the maintenance work on 53 of the structures, which will result in a more modern line being built between Padiham and Bacup.

The motorway will stay open while the work is taking place, thanks to the netting which also means the electricity line does not fall into the road, and the power is not disrupted.

The work, which will see 27 ageing pylons replaced with new pylons, and maintenance carried out on a further 26, started in October last year and is expected to be finished by April.

The 53 pylons are responsible for supplying electricity to around 50,000 customers between Padiham and Bacup.

Tim Groom, major projects manager for Electricity North West, said that the work would not cause any disruption to residents, motorists, or businesses.

He said: “This project is set to greatly benefit local residents and businesses, not just in the near future, but for many years to come.

“The pylons have served the area well for many years.

“Some have been in place for almost 60 years, and this work will ensure residents continue to receive an efficient, and reliable, electricity supply they need,” added Mr Groom.