£18 million electricity upgrade scheme for Shropshire to begin

Scottish Power Energy Networks today said consultation about the upgrade, which will benefit Oswestry, Wem and Whitchurch, is set to begin before the summer.

Last year the firm announced it had received Ofgem approval for the reinforcement works, which will increase capacity by up to 20 per cent, or the equivalent of 50,000 homes, by 2022.

Councillors say improving the electricity supply is desperately needed because of all the new homes and businesses earmarked for the region in the next few years.

Paul Ferguson, a spokesman for SP Energy Networks, said: "Plans are progressing well and overall project timescales and investment proposals remain on track.

"We hope to be able to begin the process of consulting with local communities and the wider stakeholders before this summer.

"We have been considering a range of options and our proposals will be designed to benefit north Shropshire for decades to come."

The lack of electricity supply was put forward as a reason for plans to build energy plants in Whitchurch, including Grocontinental's proposal for an anaerobic digestion power plant opposite its site on the town's business park.

Gerald Dakin, Shropshire councillor for Whitchurch South, said: "The upgrade is definitely still needed. I am concerned about the town. We have bags of industry and homes planned but the electricity is not suitable."

Councillor John Murray, mayor of Wem, said: "It is brilliant news. With the expansion of the town and new homes being built we are going to need the extra power.

"Small market towns have been in the doldrums with utility suppliers for years so it is about time we were upgraded."

Last month it was announced street lights could be dimmed in Wem at night in a cost-cutting move by a town council.