27 Jan 2016

• Overhead power line between Dungeness and Sellindge to be refurbished

• Work has started to prepare access to the overhead line

• Essential work will help maintain safe and reliable electricity supplies

National Grid has started preparations for the refurbishment of its 25km overhead electricity line between its substations in Dungeness and Sellindge.

Work to prepare access to the line recently started. Refurbishment work, which includes maintenance of the pylons and replacing the wires between the 85 towers, will start in March 2016.

All work is due to be complete by the end of the year. Some road and footpath closures will be needed to ensure the work can be carried out safely. These will be agreed with Kent County Council beforehand.

Local people will be informed of these closures nearer the time and signs will also be put up.

Project Manager Graham Livings said: 'The UK faces a challenge in ensuring its future energy needs are met. As well as building new energy infrastructure we also need to upgrade and maintain what we already have.

'This project will help make sure the region keeps on enjoying the safe and reliable energy supplies which help make modern life possible.'

He added: 'We'll signpost any road and footpath closures and diversions we need to implement and put things back to normal as soon as possible.

'We'll do everything possible to carry out this vital work with minimal disruption.'

Local people wishing to find out more about the refurbishment work can contact the project's Community Relations Team on 0800 731 1231 or [email protected]