Electricity hub lorry fears will be raised in Welshpool

Two drop-in sessions will be held in Welshpool to allow people to discuss potential problems connected to the hub, which has been proposed for a site just outside the town.

The hub, which would help connect windfarms in Mid Wales to the national electricity network through a 400kv pylon line, would be about the size of 20 football pitches if built.

Members of Welshpool Town Council and neighbouring parish councils first raised the issue of lorries using roads such as the A483 to transport equipment to the hub while it is being built two years ago in a letter to National Grid.

Drop-in sessions at Welshpool Tourist Information office on Thursday and Welshpool Library on Monday have been organised by the town council.

Mr Robinson said: "Transport is a major issue for Welshpool with regard to heavy transport coming through the town to build the hub for the proposed pylon line to support the windfarms.

"There are two dates set for the public to discuss this and they are urged to attend to make known their views. There will be National Grid staff in attendance and most of the time town councillors or the town clerk."

The total effect of the "Tan 8" windfarms proposed across Mid Wales could mean 630,000 more vehicles generated on the rural roads and 7,500 abnormal load vehicles in 2,500 convoys over for years.

To gauge the feeling of residents in Welshpool a door-to-door survey was carried out.

Almost 2,500 leaflets were filled in and returned with 76 per cent against the windfarms and 79 per cent of people concerned about the hub, 79 per cent worried about the transport and 81 per cent concerned about the pylon line.

Last week senior Welsh minister Edwina Hart said the power line linking the windfarms to the National Grid at Lower Frankton should be buried underground.