Probe pledge after claim bailiffs swore
Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones has promised an investigation over claims by Powys residents that they have been verbally abused by bailiffs delivering land access notices on a proposed power cable route.
Montgomeryshire's MP Glyn Davies and Welsh Assembly Member Russell George, as well as members of Llansantffraid Community Council, have all voiced concerns after complaints of abuse from residents in the Vyrnwy Valley.
And last night a National Grid boss told angry Llanfyllin town councillors he would 'hate the thought' that bailiffs hired by the firm to get access to land are frightening residents who live along the route of the proposed power line.
Mr George took his concerns to the Assembly this week. He said: "The First Minister answered my question about the alleged abuse and replied that he would carry out an investigation."
The multi-million pound energy plans will see a pylon route from a substation at Cefn Coch near Llanfair Caereinion to the national network at Lower Frankton near Oswestry and bailiffs employed by agents on behalf of National Grid have been visiting properties to be affected.
One land owner and county councillor, Gwynfor Thomas, claimed he was sworn at after asking to see the ID cards of bailiffs enforcing access orders for land surveys to take place. The actions have prompted Llansantffraid Community Council to liaise with police and send a letter of complaint to National Grid.
"It is very disturbing – shocking even," said MP Glyn Davies who has been receiving complaints from Llansantffraid residents.
Llanfyllin town councillors were warned last night that the firm had by law the right to buy land on the route of the power line if landowners refused to sell.
