Plans which could see huge overhead power pylons running near Shrewsbury should be thrown out because they will be a blight on the countryside and affect trade and tourism, it has been claimed.

Controversial plans to place hundreds of pylons through the Shropshire and Mid Wales countryside were discussed at Shrewsbury Town Council’s planning committee meeting last night.

Two routes which are currently being considered which would affect Shrewsbury and its surrounding area.

Councillor David Roberts made a presentation to the council about the National Grid plans.

He said recent public meetings in Wattlesborough and Montford had together attracted more than 500 people.

And while “deep concern” had been expressed so far, he said further meetings would most certainly get “steamy” if there was talk of route alignment of the pylons.

Councillor Peter Nutting said the pylons were an unsuitable way of tackling the issue and would damage the town’s image if given the go ahead.

He said: “We have to think about how these pylon routes will effect Shrewsbury and its hinterland.

“They are more difficult to hide on our routes going over the land, than on other routes.

“They should be kept underground.

“The impact will be clearly seen in Shrewsbury, it will affect our tourism trade and economy.

“It will be harder to mitigate the effect of the pylons here and that is a justifiable reason to oppose them.”

Councillor Jon Tandy said the plans had major implications for both Shrewsbury and Shropshire.

So far 2,000 people from across the county and Mid Wales have responded to the public consultation.

Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, said it was vital for people to contribute before the official deadline on June 20.

Councillor Roberts said: “We’re not talking little pylons, we’re talking three-story high, 150-foot, whopping great big ones, carving up the countryside beyond belief.

“Nobody wants the beautiful countryside blighted by them and if the cables are put underground it solves the problem.

“They say it will cost around 270 million for the pylons, but depending who you talk to it will cost between three and 17 times that amount to go underground.

“Shropshire Council are just consultees in this process but I have never known a subject to attract as much public interest as this one.

“I’m not against renewable energy but this comes at a large cost.”

By Sam Pinnington