WE’LL BE BOXED IN
Pylon fight continues
A COMMUNITY fears it will be ‘boxed in’ by pylons unless the National Grid scraps its controversial plans.
Concerned residents of Star and Gaerwen held a meeting with their AM last week in response to the grid’s proposals to connect the Wylfa Newydd power station to the main network.
The company has come under fire for spending £500m getting rid of eyesore pylons in the Lake District while pressing ahead with unpopular plans to install more on Anglesey.
Anglesey Council and other groups have instead called for underground cables, but have been rebuffed by the grid over its added cost – a price that would be passed onto energy customers.
But one family, who live a few hundred metres from existing pylons, say the plans would mean another row of pylons just to the south – the nearest structure being less than 100 metres from their home near Gaerwen.
Peter Calvert, who has lived at Ty’n Cae for more than 30 years, said: “The cables between the pylons will be just 85 metres away at their nearest.
“It will essentially mean that me and my neighbours will be boxed in by pylons on other side, which as well as being unsightly, also poses health risks.”
At a meeting held at Mr Calvert’s home yesterday, Angle- sey’s AM Rhun ap Iorwerth said residents must fight back against the grid’s unpopular plans.
He said the unpopularity of the pylons could lead to a backlash against the new nuclear plant being built.
“The grid’s brief is to connect Wylfa Newydd to the network as cheaply as possible,” he said.
“Pressure must be put on (energy watchdog) Ofgem and the UK Government to allow the grid to spend a little more in order to find a more acceptable solution.
“At a recent meeting in Talwrn, officials confirmed that underground cables across the island would cost around £400m more than the overhead pylons they propose.
“This is a price worth paying, especially when you consider the impact on tourism.
“They’ve going to spend £500m on removing pylons in the Lake District – the people of Anglesey deserve no less.”
Mr ap Iorwerth added that the grid’s plan for a £100m tunnel under the Menai Strait, posed a “massive wasted opportunity.”
The National Grid wants to construct the 4km underground tunnel to avoid using pylons at the popular beauty spot.
But the AM said: “Contributing towards the cost of a new bridge, which would also carry the cables, would provide a long-term community benefit.
“A new structure, running alongside the Britannia Bridge, would cost £200m.
“If the will is there by the different agencies involved, it can be done.”
A spokesperson for the National Grid urged residents to get involved in the consultation, due to close on December 16.
Senior project manager Gareth Williams said: “This is likely to be our last consultation so it’s really important people come and talk to us and give us as much detailed feedback as they can.
“We’re really keen for as many people as possible to come and see us, and we have a number of larger events in community halls, a consultation vehicle and pop up events.”
For more details, visit www. northwalesconnection.com