Residents invited to learn about pylon removal project

Wiltshire residents are being invited to find out more about a major pylon removal project aimed at reducing the visual impact of power lines in England and Wales.

Residents of Devizes, Bishops Cannings , Roundway and Rowde will be welcomed to a series of drop-in events organised by the National Grid and construction company Balfour Beatty.

The project to replace power lines with underground cables began in January.

Amardeep Malhi, lead project manager at National Grid, said: "We want to invite local people to meet the team and find out what to expect."

The North Wessex Downs VIP project will replace around 4.6km (2.8m) of overhead transmission lines and 13 pylons, near the Millennium White Horse and the Roundway Down battle site close to Devizes.

“We’ve been working closely with the community and stakeholders including the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, Wiltshire Council and local parish councils as we’ve refined our plans for this project which will benefit the local community and the area’s many visitors," Mr Malhi added.

People can meet the National Grid team on 16 March, from 10:00 to 14:00 GMT, at Rowde Village Hall.

An online session is due to be held 19 March at 18:00 GMT for those who cannot make the in-person event.

People who wish to attend can sign up by visiting the National Grid VIP project website. , external

The scheme is due to be completed by the end of 2026.