OREANDA-NEWS. National Grid has begun an essential £25 million project to improve the electricity network between Knaresborough and Bramham.

The works involve connecting a substation at Knaresborough, to National Grid's high voltage electricity transmission network, constructing a short section of new pylons near Bramham and refurbishing the existing overhead line between the two locations.

Refurbishing the line will help meet the increase in demand for electricity in the area and keep power flowing to homes and businesses for years to come.

With initial access works currently under way, the project will be carried out in phases. Work at Knaresborough and Bramham will take place throughout 2014, with the overhead line between the two locations to be upgraded from summer 2015.

The overhead line between the village of Scotton in Knaresborough and Bramham, near Wetherby, was built in 1963 and has never been refurbished. Whilst pylons will last for around 80 years, the fixtures, fittings and conductors (wires) usually have to be replaced at least once during their lifespan.

National Grid will keep members of the community informed and updated throughout the project and will be working closely with contractors to ensure the project is carried out as efficiently and with as little disruption as possible.

Project Manager, Mark Brennan, said: “It is vital we upgrade this overhead line to cope with an increase in demand locally and secure a reliable supply of electricity for years to come.

“We will be installing temporary pylons in both Knaresborough and Bramham to ensure that electricity supply to local properties is not affected. We work closely with the community on all of our projects to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, informing residents when and where we'll be carrying out our work."

Road closures will be in place to allow construction to take place. This will include a two-year temporary closure of a section of Rooker Lane and Smithy Lane in Scotton. The lane will be available for use when access is not required.

A section of footpath, known as Bramham 11, will also be temporarily closed in Bramham. The closure will only be enforced during intervals of construction and will be open for use when access is not required.

National Grid regularly invests in local communities through the 'Bringing Energy to Life' programme. Local residents, groups or organisations in the area that have suggestions about community projects should get in touch.