MPs in showdown meeting with National Grid over pylons

MPs in Shropshire and Mid Wales are to have a showdown meeting to grill National Grid chiefs over controversial plans which could see huge pylons built near rural villages.

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies will join Shropshire counterparts Owen Paterson, Daniel Kawczynski and Philip Dunne to meet with the head of the National Grid's UK operations on Wednesday.

The politicians want to quiz Nick Winser over National Grid's proposals to tap into the wind farms being built in Mid Wales, which could see a 400,000 volt line of pylons built in the countryside.

The line would link into one of the National Grid's main electricity lines which already runs through Shropshire.

National Grid has stressed no final decision has been made about whether the line will go over or underground.

Mr Davies from Berriew, near Welshpool, said: "I will be asking them to abandon their proposals and I hope they listen.

"I don't expect to be given an answer straight away but I do hope it can make a difference.

"The countryside will be ruined if these plans go ahead," he added.

"I'm looking forward to teaming up with the three Shropshire MPs because this is an issue of national importance.

"I have already spoken out not only about the pylons and substation but also about windfarms too because I feel it is something that needs to raised before it's too late."

Wednesday's meeting has been organised by Mr Paterson.The North Shropshire MP said there was widespread anxiety over the possible route of the pylons.

Campaigners said the line should be put underground.