£18 million electricity capacity upgrade to get under way in north Shropshire

New 132,000 volt overhead power lines will go up between Oswestry and Wem, supported by large wooden poles.

Scottish Power Energy Networks said consultation about the upgrade, which will benefit Oswestry, Wem and Whitchurch, has begun.

It says it is vital if new residential developments and existing businesses are to be served with a reliable electricity supply.

The proposal is to build a new line between Oswestry substation, located at the A5/A495 roundabout and Wem substation, located on Ellesmere Road on the western side of Wem.

Mark Sobczak of SP Energy Networks said: "This is one of the most significant upgrades to the electricity network ever proposed for north Shropshire.

"We want to ensure that the network is modern, reliable and capable of supporting opportunities for future growth.

"In order to find the most suitable route for the new line, we want to encourage feedback from as many people in the local communities as possible.

"We have already carried out a considerable amount of investigatory work to look at and consider the location of communities, heritage features and sensitive areas.

"These investigations have allowed us to develop a number of potential routes that seek to either avoid or mitigate impacts on these areas. We now wish to open up an initial consultation period.. All of the feedback we receive will be taken in to account."

Councillor Steve Charmley, deputy leader and portfolio holder for business and economy at Shropshire Council, said: "These proposals are good news.

"Shropshire Council has been pressing for investment in north Shropshire infrastructure, including Whitchurch, for a number of years.

"With the new homes and employment sites proposed, we are going to need the extra power. The north Shropshire reinforcement project will help our area realise its economic ambitions and ensure that we continue to enjoy a reliable electricity supply."

SP Energy Networks said the new 132,000 volt wooden pole line is the most appropriate solution after investigating a number of options for reinforcing the network.

The company plans to build the new overhead line using a wood pole Trident design, which it said is a tried and tested and used most recently for reinforcing the electricity distribution network between Legacy substation and Oswestry substation.

Several consultation events are being held in the region in July to allow residents to find out more about the scheme.

They will take place in Whittington, near Oswestry, Wem, Hordley, near Ellesmere, and Cockshutt.