News Releases

A major project to underground overhead power cables and enhance the landscape of the village of Edensor in the Peak District has been completed in a joint project between Western Power Distribution (WPD), the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) and Friends of the Peak District (FPD), with assistance from the Chatsworth Estate.

Over 2km of power lines have been removed and replaced with underground cables, restoring the beauty of the area.

The works are being funded through a regulatory backed initiative to enhance landscapes in recognised Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks, by removing electrical infrastructure like overhead cables.  WPD has worked closely with steering groups made up with representatives from  various National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Associations to identify suitable sites for consideration.

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

Jane Chapman, Assistant Director for land management in the Peak District National Park, said: "We appreciate the work that WPD has carried out to enhance the Peak District landscape by undergrounding cables and we are very pleased to be able to provide advice and support.  I hope residents and many thousands of visitors will enjoy this significant improvement to the views in this beautiful area.”

Andy Tickle, Director of Friends of the Peak District said: “This is a great initiative – it continues to receive strong support from the public and working in partnership with Western Power Distribution and the National Park Authority means a real win-win for our precious landscapes and locals alike”.

Notes for newsdesks:
By Western Power Distribution:
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 7.7 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.

For further information please contact Stella Hayward on 01332 827461.

By Friends of the Peak District:

Friends of the Peak District campaigns for a living, working countryside, and a Peak District which changes with the times but remains beautiful forever.

For further information please contact Andy Tickle on 0114 2792655.