Finlay Carson MSP has urged people in his constituency to take part in Scottish Power’s consultation on their proposals to replace part of the electricity network in Galloway and West Dumfries.
The consultation follows on from Scottish Power’s announcement in the summer that they had revised their original ‘Dumfries and Galloway Strategic Reinforcement Project’ to form the new ‘Kendoon to Tongland Reinforcement Project’, which is now being consulted on. This change came directly as a result of engagement with local communities, the National Grid and OFGEM – the Government regulator for gas and electricity networks.
At the time, Mr Carson welcomed the changes which he said went some way to alleviating his constituent’s concerns. He also commended the work of the local action group ‘Dumgal Against Pylons’ for their sustained effort and for putting their case forward so eloquently.
The consultation is seeking views on preferred routes for new 132k overhead lines and copies of the project documents can be viewed in Mr Carson’s office at 107 King Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1LZ and online on the project website at www.spendgsr.co.uk.
The consultation will run from 31 October through to 13th January 2017 and responses can be submitted online, via email at [email protected] or by writing to FREEPOST SPEN DGSR (no stamp needed).
Finlay Carson said:
“It is important that as many local people as possible make their voices heard during the consultation period. The original proposals were only revised last year as a result of local people coming together in action groups such as ‘Dumgal Against Pylons’ to put forward a persuasive and articulate case.
“We have a great opportunity to engage in the discussion about the new proposals and I would encourage everyone to do so in order that the report, which will be produced next year, reflects the feedback from our local communities.”
“I believe that there are still some options which have not come to the table including running the new line along the bottom of Loch Ken. A solution like this would take away the need for most of the proposed pylons. It would be an innovative and forward thinking solution in the heart of an area which I firmly believe should be Scotland’s third National Park”.
Scottish Power will also be holding public consultation exhibitions, details of which below:
1. Tuesday November 1, 2pm until 8pm
Cairndale Hotel, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
2. Wednesday November 2, 2pm until 8pm
Kirkcudbright Parish Church Hall, St Mary Street, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4AQ
3. Thursday November 3, 2pm until 8pm
Mossdale Village Hall, Mossdale, DG7 2NF
4. Friday November 4, 2pm until 8pm
New Galloway Town Hall, High Street, New Galloway, DG7 3RL
