More than six kilometres of overhead electricity cables in Cumbrian beauty spots are being re-installed underground, in a move applauded by the Friends of the Lake District organisation.

Sponsored by energy regulator Ofgem, the work is being undertaken by Electricity North West, which has already 'undergrounded' electricity cables at New Barns, near Arnside, and at RSPB North Plain, on the Solway Coast.

The power company is now planning to underground an additional four kilometres of overhead lines at RSPB Forrest Head, in the North Pennines, with work expected to start this autumn.

The projects are part of a five-year undergrounding initiative by Electricity North West worth £8 million.

The scheme is designed to improve the look of landscapes across National Parks and National Landscapes in the North West region.

Lobbying by Friends of the Lake District, the Campaign for National Parks, and other organisations has prompted Ofgem to continue its underground allowance, the money made available to energy providers to place wires underground.

Tracey Cuthbertson, who oversees undergrounding schemes for Electricity North West in Cumbria, said: "We’re delighted with the progress we are making in undergrounding overhead lines across National Landscapes in Cumbria.

"The North West’s power network is one of the most reliable in the world and we want to maintain the best supply to our customers.

"At times, we do understand the overhead lines can impact the local landscapes and that’s why we utilise the scheme to underground overhead lines where possible."

Friends of the Lake District overhead wires officer, Amanda McCleery, said: "It is great to see this long-running programme benefiting not only the two National Parks within Cumbria, but also its three National Landscapes.

"We appreciate the hard work of Electricity North West staff in these complex schemes, from the design stage right through to construction, which can take many months.

"The undergrounding allowance, from the energy regulator Ofgem, is making a really positive difference to all these special, nationally protected landscapes."

Lucy Barron, Arnside & Silverdale’s national landscape manager, added: "The recent undergrounding works in Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape have noticeably improved the stunning views in the New Barns area, which is popular with locals and tourists alike.

"With the additional benefit of reducing the risk of bird-strike, this is a great project in the National Landscape, and we're so pleased with the results."

More information about Friends of the Lake District is available at https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/