Nailsea people invited to see Hinkley Point Connection plans

National Grid's plans to build a new overhead electricity line between Bridgwater and Avonmouth, currently on show in a series of drop-in exhibitions, have attracted a steady stream of residents keen to find out more about the company's proposals.

The exhibitions, which started last week and will run until mid July, have been organised in response to feedback from the first phase of consultation held last year. 

The feedback showed that many people wanted further explanation of how National Grid had identified its two proposed route corridors along with more information about the other connection options considered. 

The drop-in events show how National Grid experts arrived at the proposal to connect the planned Hinkley Point C power station by constructing a new overhead line. 

There is also extensive information about the alternatives to overhead lines such as underground and subsea cables, all of which were considered before the proposals were announced. 

Project manager Peter Bryant said:  “We have been very pleased to see a steady stream of people visiting the exhibitions. 

“The views of the public are very important and will play a vital role in any decision we make. 

“The feedback we received from the first round of consultation told us that people wanted more information on the background of the project and the other connection options which National Grid had considered. 

“This exhibition explains the project more fully and addresses many of the issues people raised.

“We want as many people as possible to come along to the exhibitions and give us their views and feedback. 

“Members of the project team are available at each event to listen to people’s concerns and answer any questions they might have.”

In addition to the drop-in events, a newsletter containing explanations of the proposals has been sent to around 37,000 houses along the route corridors and additional information has been included on National Grid's project website.  

The new power line is needed to connect the proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C.

Depending upon the final route, the new line would be approximately 37 miles long, it will cost more than £600 million and is due to be built in 2016.

But there are fears the pylons will be twice the height of existing power lines and an intrusive feature across beautiful North Somerset countryside.

NG local campaign groups Save Nailsea West and Save Our Valley have formed a combined action group with members of Nailsea Town Council.  

The group is united in the effort to say ‘no’ to pylons and continue to campaign for undersea, underground and along-the-motorway alternatives and is joined in this effort by all the Somerset anti-pylon campaign groups along the proposed line and by their councils too.

The anti-pylon campaigners fear NG will encased North Somerset in massive metal structures if local people don’t continue to protest during the second series of ‘consultations’.

They are urging local people to attend one of the remaining dates of Saturday, June 26, from10am – 4pm at Backwell School; Monday, June 28, 2-8pm at Tickenham Village Hall; Thursday, July 1, 2-8pm at Backwell WI Hall and Saturday, July 3, 10am–4pm at the Scotch Horn Centre, Nailsea, have been diarised by Nailsea People in the events section.