An uninterrupted view across the West Dorset coast has been restored.

Abbotsbury is the latest area to benefit from a scheme by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to replace sections of its overhead power cables by undergrounding the network.

The £15m investment programme aims to put underground 90km of overhead distribution lines in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and National Scenic Areas.

The £200,000 project by the Swannery has replaced two and a half kilometres of overhead cable structure - and associated poles and conductors - replaced with a fully underground cable system.

Carl James, SSEN's project manager, said: "This programme of works has been one of the largest carried out recently by SSEN as part of its undergrounding scheme for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and my team and I are delighted to have completed these works on schedule and on budget.

"It's been a pleasure to help provide an uninterrupted view across this historical site that brings so much happiness to both local residents and visitors to the area."

He added: "When SSEN considers projects like this, our team listens to the needs of local stakeholders and balances those against any potential impact the works could have on the environment; such as the breeding or nesting seasons of birds, animals and insects.

"It's only when both SSEN and our stakeholders are fully satisfied - through discussion and research - that the undergrounding of the infrastructure is beneficial, that we start to plan the programme that will cause the least disruption to all involved and will result in a robust network that suits our customers now and for many years to come."

Jessica Ohnstad, estates surveyor for Ilchester Estates, said: "The recent underground works undertaken by SSEN have enhanced the area around the Swannery, restoring uninterrupted views across this unique and historic site.

"We hope that both locals and visitors will continue to enjoy the fantastic views that Abbotsbury has to offer."

The Abbotsbury site was proposed by local stakeholders as having the potential for visual improvement through the removal of the overhead network.

For further information on the scheme and how you can propose an area to be considered for an undergrounding projects, visit ssen.co.uk

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