£70,000 investment in North Devon Power Network

Completion of a £70,000 initiative to place power lines underground and remove poles has enhanced the landscape near the village of Croyde, within the designated Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB).

In a joint initiative between Western Power Distribution (WPD) and the North Devon Coast AONB and in partnership with Georgeham Parish Council, local landowners, Devon County Council Highways and BT, over 500 metres of overhead line has been removed adjacent to the main road into Croyde from Saunton and replaced with underground cables, to restore the beauty of the area.

WPD is working closely with steering groups made up of representatives from various AONBs and National Parks to identify suitable sites for consideration, in the South West this group is made up of representatives from the South West Protected Landscapes Forum.

Alex Fernyhough, Planner for WPD explained. “Working with the groups has been helpful in pinpointing high priority schemes, enabling available funds to be spent as effectively as possible.”

Dave Edgcombe, Project Officer for the North Devon Coast AONB added: “This was an excellent scheme, which has enhanced the view for the many thousands of holidaymakers and locals who travel into Croyde, providing uninterrupted views of Croyde Bay and Baggy Point as they enter the village”.