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Western Power Distribution has invested £100,000 to update its electricity network in Calke and Ticknall, and to restore a local beauty spot to its former glory.

Overhead lines had been erected across Staunton Harold Reservoir as a temporary measure in the 1960s after an existing circuit failed and an alternative cable route across the reservoir could not be found.  

A redesign of the electricity network in the area and a £100,000 investment by WPD, the electricity distribution business for the Midlands since April 2011, has meant that the overhead lines have finally come down across the reservoir – restoring the beauty of the area.

An overhead line which ran through the deer enclosure in National Trust owned Calke Park has also been removed as part of the project. Simon Havill, WPD’s Distribution Manager for Derbyshire said this would make undertaking any network repairs easier in future because access to the deer enclosure is restricted. It would also lessen the risk of tree damage.

The work will also improve the security of the electricity network for customers in the surrounding area. “Our aim is to invest to maintain the reliability of electricity supplies for years to come,” said Simon.

“We are committed to providing a consistently high level of service to customers and will have spent over £2 billion on our network between 2010 and 2015.”