Pylon removal money could make massive difference in the Western Dales says MP

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the announcement by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) that major funds will be made available to put electricity cables under the ground instead of on overhead pylons across the national park.

Ofgem, the regulator of the electricity industry, is in the process of allocating funds for the undergrounding of more power lines in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Thomas Harland, the YDNPA's Planning Policy Officer, said: "We haven't received confirmation of our final allocation from Ofgem yet, but I think we can confidently estimate it to be about £3 million."

Anyone wanting to put forward a suggestion about where a pylon should be removed should contact Thomas on 01969 652378 or email him at thomas.harland@yorkshiredales.org.uk.

Tim said: "This is great news for communities in the Western Dales. I have been arguing for many months that this funding was needed to protect the beautiful landscape of the Howgills, Dentdale and the surrounding area. I hope that local residents and business put in lots of suggestions so we can remove lots of pylons and put the cables underground."