A Government minister has told MPs he will do all he can to help resolve controversial proposals which could see new power lines built in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

MPs met energy minister Charles Hendry as part of discussions over the proposals by National Grid. North Shropshire MP, Owen Paterson, Montgomeryshire’s Glynn Davies, Ludlow’s Philip Dunne and Shrewsbury’s Daniel Kawczynski attended.

Mr Paterson said a “lively discussion” took place about plans by National Grid to build a 400,000-volt electricity line across the border and along one of 10 suggested routes across the countryside.

This would feed electricity from wind farms in Mid Wales into the main line of the National Grid running north to south through Shropshire.

The MPs made clear to the minister the strong objections constituents had to the plans.

Mr Paterson said during the meeting the minister offered to do all that he could to help resolve this issue.

He said Mr Hendry also spoke about the Government’s approach to energy policy and a consultation was running on renewable energy, which he wanted the public to take part in.

Mr Paterson said: “I am grateful to Charles Hendry for devoting so much time to meeting us and discussing our concerns about National Grid’s plans.

“I am pleased that the minister is willing to listen carefully to the arguments put forward by my constituents before a final decision is made on the project and that the environmental impact on Shropshire will be considered as part of the decision making process.

“I would encourage my constituents to contribute to the Department for Energy and Climate Change’s consultation and make their views clear.”

Mr Davies said: “We wanted to make certain that he knew our concerns.

“The minister reassured us the issue wasn’t cut and dried.

“Mr Hendry does know I have concerns about the issue.”

The National Grid has revealed it will first go through 6,000 to 7,000 consultation responses before announcing its preferred route in 2012.

There would then be an environmental survey carried out, considering underground cables, before sending a recommendation to the Secretary of State in 2014.

A final decision on the route for the power cables is due in 2015.