Dumfries and Galloway MP Richard Arkless has urged Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) to publish the consultation report on their pylon plans for Dumfries and Galloway, without any further delay.
The electricity company missed a second deadline to report public feedback on the controversial pylon scheme which has attracted over 1,600 written responses from local people concerned about the environmental impact that the new power line will have.
Commenting, Mr Arkless said:
“I have been contacted by many constituents concerning this report. Some are optimistic that the delay in its publication could be an indication that SPEN are giving alternative plans full and proper consideration. A number of constituents have expressed concern that it will ultimately lessen the time period available to influence the process and many are simply frustrated by yet another missed deadline.”
SPEN unveiled the proposed pylon rote in June 2015, following a public outcry the initial consultation period was extended by five weeks to the end of August, with the report due by the end on the year. This date was later moved to January 2016 however the report remains unpublished and SPEN have no scheduled date for its release.
Mr Arkless added:
“I have written to SPEN to demand some solid timescales as my constituents have been patient long enough.
“The many small towns and communities that will be directly affected by the proposed pylon route are keen find a suitable compromise. It is time for SPEN to share with us all, how the vast amount of feedback they have received, has shaped their views.
“The continual delays are leading to a lot of speculation – SPEN must now disclose their revised plans for the pylon route and publish this long awaited report as soon as possible.”
Mr Arkless recently met with Alan Jones who is Chairman of the region-wide campaign group Dumgal Against Pylons.
Commenting on the recent meeting, Alan Jones said:
“We are very pleased that Richard has pressed SPEN on this matter. The people of Dumfries & Galloway are living in limbo at present; not knowing whether SPEN have listened to any or all the concerns they fed back following the first consultation so it will give them some comfort to know that their MP is urging SPEN to make this information available as soon as possible.”
Alan went on to say:
“We believe SPEN are overwhelmed by the number of responses they received and they are now beginning to appreciate the strength of feeling throughout the region against the proposal to run a high voltage super-grid through some of the last remaining unspoiled landscapes in the UK.
“We will be looking closely at their response to make sure they have taken the feedback on-board and we will measure this by the extent to which they have modified their thinking from the original proposal.”
One partner. No competitors. Full visibility across the region.
