Partnership Leaders issue joint statement on National Grid pylon proposal

Leaders from the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, comprised of Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council, have today issued a joint response to plans to run a series of pylons and overhead lines through the sub-region.

The plans have been announced as part of National Grid's Great Grid Upgrade, an overhaul of the electricity grid involving new infrastructure projects across the country.

The grid proposes installing new overhead cabling through Lincolnshire between Grimsby and Walpole near Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, along with new electricity substations.

In a joint statement, Cllr Nick Worth, Leader of South Holland District Council, Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, and Cllr Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: "We recognise the national importance of major energy projects like this to help improve our infrastructure and tackle the energy crisis we are currently seeing, as well as to create greater grid capacity and investment opportunities in our own sub-region.

"However, the major impact these plans could have on our communities and environment cannot be ignored, and we are pleased to see consultation taking place in these early stages to receive feedback before any further steps are taken.

"We hope that we can continue to be actively involved in any future plans, and that all possible alternative options and views are considered, including the possibility of underground installation. The greater cost of this compared to overhead pylons must be weighed by National Grid against the need to protect our environment, the amenity of our residents and communities, and the devastating impact the proposals threaten to have on a £500 million local tourism industry.

"It is important that all available steps are taken to help minimise the impact on our residents and businesses and protect the unique character of South and East Lincolnshire. Most importantly, we would encourage everyone with an interest or an opinion to get involved, make sure they attend the online or in-person events, and provide their thoughts to ensure that our voice is heard on this significant project."

You can find out more about the proposals, and how to attend an in-person or virtual consultation event, at https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/network-and-infrastructure/infrastructure-projects/grimsby-to-walpole