Village's £16m electricity upgrade begins

Works to increase the reliability of a village's electricity supply has begun.

SP Electricity North West said the £16m works in Coniston in Cumbria and its surrounding areas had begun earlier in July.

The first phase, which began on Bog Lane, is due to last 12 weeks and is expected to end in September. It follows the area experiencing massive days-long power cuts during Storm Arwen in 2021.

The works involve installing underground electricity cables in Coniston and upgrading 39km (24 miles) of overhead lines and wooden poles across the village, as well as in Ambleside and Ulverston.

SP Electricity North West said the works would also involve the removal of overhead lines and wooden poles from Blawith Fell.

Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron said the investment in Coniston was "much needed".

"The severe impact of storms, particularly Storm Arwen, highlighted how fragile the network can be as residents were left without power for several days," he said.

The firm said dates for the next phase of the works have yet to be confirmed.

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