Energy firm to spend £2m on supplying Whitchurch power boost

Energy bosses have unveiled a groundbreaking £2 million project to modernise Whitchurch's electricity network using the latest technology.

ScottishPower said the town would be one of the first in the country to undergo the work, which will increase available power by 20 per cent and could eventually provide a blueprint for the rest of the country.

Bosses say the scheme will see the latest technology used to improve the town's electricity network without the need for costly construction work. Work will begin in the summer.

The plans come after complaints from councillors and businesses who claim Whitchurch does not have the electricity necessary to allow it to grow.

Last year haulage firm Grocontinental spent £500,000 on improving its electricity supply, but other companies have decided to set up in towns where the power is already available, taking jobs out of the area.

Councillor Gerald Dakin said the announcement was 'fantastic news'.

Martin Hill, project manager at ScottishPower Energy Networks, said: "In Whitchurch we will install cutting edge technology that will boost the electricity network, without the need for major disruptive construction work.

"We specifically identified Whitchurch as an area which could benefit from this £2 million investment as there is high demand on the existing electricity network."

See also:

• Power problem is blamed for Whitchurch’s lost jobs