OREANDA-NEWS. National Grid is halfway through its programme of consultation events on plans to connect new sources of electricity generation into 'the grid' in Cumbria and Lancashire.

Almost 1,000 people have visited events so far to meet members of the North West Coast Connections project team and discuss the proposals.

National Grid has been asked to provide a connection into the electricity transmission system for the proposed new nuclear power station, Moorside, near Sellafield in West Cumbria and to export the power generated by other new energy projects in the North West.

Robert Powell, Project Manager said: "It has been an interesting and enlightening few weeks. It has been great to get out to listen to what people have to say about our plans. We are mindful of the fact that we're working in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and it is our job to make sure we strike a balance between protecting treasured landscapes and keeping the lights on.

"We're gathering people's views and, once consultation has been completed, we will go away and spend time reflecting the comments we've received. This feedback will be used together with the findings from our own environmental and technical studies to help us choose which routes to take forward. People will have further opportunities to comment on the project as it progresses."

The North West Coast Connections team will be holding more events over the coming weeks (see Notes to Editors), and people have until Friday 28 November to submit their comments to the consultation.