THE landscape of the Forest of Bowland is set to be enhanced by the removal of electrical equipment which are almost 60-years-old.

Electricity North West is investing almost £300,000 in moving overhead power lines and electricity poles underground between Cow Ark and Newton.

The scheme is part of Electricity North West’s plan to invest £9million in undergrounding sections of the power network in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and national parks across the North West.

David Kenneford, programme delivery manager for Electricity North West, said: “We’re champions of the North West and proud that it’s our network that connects communities and keeps the lights on across the beautiful North West region.

“We are committed to doing the right thing and we put the community in which we operate at the heart of everything we do.

"That’s why we’re delighted to be working closely with AONB to replace the power lines with underground cables to improve the views for local residents and the thousands of people that visit the area every year.”

The work will involve undergrounding 2.6km of overhead power lines and 35 poles between Crimpton and Ing Barn which were originally installed in 1958.

Engineers have already started to install the underground cables and the overhead power lines will be removed before Autumn.

Elliott Lorimer, principal officer for the Forest of Bowland AONB, said: “We're delighted that that this scheme is now in progress with Electricity North West.

"Both the local landscape and the wider views out to the Bowland Fells and Yorkshire's Three Peaks will be significantly enhanced by this work.”

Ribble Valley Council leader Cllr Ken Hind said that it will help to improve one of the area's beauty spots.

Cllr Hind said: "Cow Ark to Newton is one of the most beautiful areas in the Ribble Valley.

"Anything that is going to remove cables from the horizon is a very good thing.

"It is going to be a good thing improving an AONB.

"A lot of tourists come to the area to walk through or ride their bikes and enjoy the beautiful scenery, which this should help."