Power supply bosses are being urged to reconsider a proposed alternative route for a multi-million pound overhead electricity line through Oswestry.

The news comes after SP Manweb put forward a new route for a line between Oswestry substation and Legacy, near Wrexham, after their preferred route was met with firm opposition.

The company is looking to increase the capacity of supply and to ensure the security of the power supply to about 80,000 customers between Wrexham and Oswestry.

In a bid to address concerns, SP Manweb “re-assessed” its options and an alternative for part of the route is now being considered.

It would run between Ceiriog Valley and Gobowen and the proposal has gone out for further consultation.

However, at yesterday’s Oswestry Borough Council’s scrutiny meeting, councillors urged SP Manweb to re-think the alternative route.

They agreed it had listened to a number of their concerns, but want the line to run underground.

“I feel SP Manweb have completely dismissed the option to run the electricity line under the A483,” said Councillor Neil Graham.

“The A483 is a direct route from Wrexham to Oswestry. All through the consultation they have insisted that they have researched the routes thoroughly, but they couldn’t have, otherwise they would have known that their original preferred route ran through a nature reserve.”

Scottish Power spokesman Jane Holmes said the consultation was ongoing and welcomed all comments.

People can respond to the consultation via e-mail at legacy-oswestry@sppowersystems.com