News Releases

Work to underground overhead power cables and enhance the landscape at two areas of natural beauty in Herefordshire, have been completed in a joint project between Western Power Distribution (WPD) and the Malvern Hills AONB Partnership.

Approximately 350 metres of overhead power lines have been removed in Wellington Heath and one kilometer at Woodfields Coppice near Ledbury. These have been replaced with underground cables, restoring the beauty of each area.

The works are being funded through an Ofgem- backed initiative to enhance landscapes in recognised Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks by removing electrical infrastructure like overhead lines and supporting poles. WPD has worked closely with steering groups representing various AONB Partnerships and National Park Authorities to identify suitable sites for consideration.

Christian Hjelm, Consents and Wayleaves Manager for WPD said: “Working with the local steering groups has been helpful to pinpoint high priority schemes and enable the limited funds to be spent as effectively as possible.”

Paul Esrich, Malvern Hills AONB Partnership Manager said: "We are grateful to WPD for their work in planning and implementing these schemes. The vastly improved views that have been created will be appreciated by both residents and visitors alike for years to come, and can only add to the natural beauty of the Malvern Hills AONB."

Note for newsdesks:

• Western Power Distribution (WPD) is the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales, and is responsible for delivering electricity to approximately 7.8 million customers in the UK.

 • WPD is not an electricity supply company and does not bill customers in the UK. Its responsibility is to distribute electricity from the point of generation to homes and businesses.

• Ofgem is the gas and electricity industry regulator in the UK.