Investing in network

A MAJOR investment project, which aims to strengthen the electricity network in and around Cowdenbeath, is due to get under way next month, it has emerged.

Scottishpower Energy Networks say they are due to spend over £200,000 on a reinforcement scheme that should improve the reliability of supplies to homes and businesses in the High Street for years to come.

The Courier understands the work is due to start on April 9 and will see underground cables being upgraded from Morrisons supermarket, along the east side of the High Street, moving southward from the rail bridge to the top of the High Street.

Scottishpower has already had several site visits to discuss planning and scheduling the works ito minimise disruption.

A meeting has also been held with the community council, traders and transport companies to discuss the work.

Archie Ferguson, at Scottishpower, said: “This is a vital reinforcement project designed to boost the reliability of the electricity supply to a significant number of commercial and domestic premises on the high street; and provide a modernised network capable of supporting expected growth in load requirements within the immediate area — something that the existing supply is incapable of.

“This investment also represents a significant portion of SPEN’S reinforcement budget for 2012 and brings the level of capital expenditure set aside for Cowdenbeath’s immediate needs in line with similar schemes in the likes of Edinburgh and Stirling.

“We have planned this work very carefully with Fife Council and a range of other local groups and we will continue to work closely with all interested parties to minimise any disruption.”

If work starts on April 9, it is hoped the project will be completed by June 10.

The company has also guaranteed shop entrances will be maintained at all times to ensure access during normal opening hours.

“We have planned this work very carefully with Fife Council ...”

Archie Ferguson