Pylons pose electric threat to Bressingham steam

A PROPOSAL for a new 112-mile high voltage power line to run between Norwich, Suffolk, and Essex is causing concern for the future of Bressingham Steam Museum in Diss, Norfolk, which said that a“significant proportion”of its site would be affected by new pylons.

Curator Phil Rooke said: “The proposed route of the pylons will cross two of the museum’s railways.

“There would be serious implications for the future sustainability of the museum if a pylon was to be erected directly on or next to our railway lines.

“We do not own the surrounding lands and therefore would be unable to reroute the railways, which are an important part of steam preservation and Norfolk heritage.”

United in objections

He added that the museum would work with other nearby groups to campaign against the“disruptive, potentially disastrous scheme”.

The pylons, part of a proposed new transmission line, are said to be needed to carry electricity from offshore wind turbines.

A National Grid spokesperson said: “We are governed by a number of licenses and regulatory obligations and we have been carrying out assessments and studies to find the most appropriate way to achieve this in East Anglia and in other parts of the country. We feel these proposals best meet our obligations.”

They added that National Grid was carrying out assessments to find “the most appropriate way” to run the line and that it wanted to work with communities and business to develop the project.