‘ESSENTIAL’ WORK SET TO CLOSE ROADS ON 12-MILE ROUTE

ROADS will be closed across North Warwickshire as work is done to replace ageing power lines.

National Grid is refurbishing a 12.5-mile route between Coleshill and Bedworth, and it may cause disruption on the roads.

The work is said to be “essential” to making sure homes and businesses have a good power supply as the wires have come to the end of their working life.

To carry out the work, some sections of roads and footpaths will have to be closed temporarily.

Ben McKenzie-Williams, the project manager, said: “It’s vital that we upgrade this overhead line so we can continue to provide a safe and efficient source of electricity and meet the country’s rising demand for power.

“We’re investing substantially in the region’s power network through improvement schemes like this, so local communities continue to have the reliable power they need for many years to come.”

The project, which is costing £15million will see the overhead line running between Hams Hall substation near Coleshill and Coventry substation near Exhall refurbished.

It was built in the 1960s and the wires are now past their best and need to be replaced to keep the area powered.

All 60 pylons along the route will also get new fittings and a coat of paint.

Preparation to get the scheme underway starts this month with work to access the pylon locations and the refurbishment work will start in March and finish in late Autumn.

The 20km route passes through Hams Hall National Distribution Park in Lea Marston, Shustoke, Fillongley, Wood End, Bedworth West, Goodyers End and Exhall.

The road closures are yet to be decided on and more information will be released by National Grid when there are details on specific route closure and diversions.

Mr McKenzie-Williams added: “We’ll need to temporarily close some sections of road and footpaths in specific locations between May and August to protect public safety and allow us to access the pylon sites.

“We’ll plan the road closures and restrictions so that all destinations are accessible – even if it means taking a diversion.”

National Grid has said it will be working hard to minimise the disruption and be a “good neighbour”.

For more informaion, go to www2. nationalgrid.com

Anyone who has questions or would like to know more can call National Grid’s Community Relations Team on Freephone 0800 073 1047, available daily from 7am to 7pm.