WORK has begun on an £18m investment project to improve the power network from Malton to Whitby and enhance the North York Moors scenery.

Northern Powergrid is working to create a new, modern underground cable network, which will improve the quality and reliability of electricity for those living in the area.

The work will also remove overhead power lines and 108 existing tower structures spanning about 20 kilometres.

Carl Bandeira, Northern Powergrid’s project manager, said that the removal of the tower structures will improve the views of the moors.

He said: “This is a major investment by Northern Powergrid in both the reliability of the power supply between Malton and Whitby for local residents and enhancing the beautiful natural landscape of the North York Moor National Park for the future.

“We’ll continue to work with Natural England and the North York Moors National Park throughout the project to ensure this area of significant beauty and environmental importance is treated with the respect it deserves.”

The towers will be removed once the 20 kilometres of underground cable along the A169 through the National Park has been installed.

The company has employed ecological consultants and liaised closely with Natural England and the North York Moors National Park to ensure that the work avoids any significant disturbance to important habitats and species.

For more information, phone Northern Powergrid’s contractor Interserve on 08443 814125 or email Sharon.Incerti@Interserveis.co.uk