Hundreds turn out for pylon meetings in Sedgemoor (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Hundreds turn out for pylon meetings in Sedgemoor

HUNDREDS of people attended public meetings to have their say on proposals for a corridor of pylons near Burnham, which it is claimed could be a blot on the landscape.

Hundreds turn out for pylon meetings in Sedgemoor

The Weekly News has reported how campaigners have started a petition on Prime Minister Gordon Brown's website against the plans to connect the proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point to the electricity transmission system in Avonmouth.

National Grid has put forward two possible routes for the electricity pylons, one of which would see them pass through East Huntspill and on to Mark and Wedmore.

Opponents claim the pylons would 'scythe' through areas of outstanding natural beauty, leave homes at risk of flooding, create a blight on the landscape, and lower property prices.

In the last week, public meetings on the plans have been held at Mark and Wedmore.

Brian Mathew, who attended Sunday night's meeting in Mark, said the majority of the 300 or so people there were against the proposals.

He told the Weekly News: “It was clear from the turnout that the local community strongly opposes the bullying tactics of National Grid in slanting their so-called 'consultation' to force residents to choose between either of the two limited options available.”

A National Grid spokesman said the connection would have to be carried out in the most economical and efficient way possible.

The spokesman said the two corridors put forward are the only routes which could be built and there would be no point consulting with the public on any routes which would not be possible.

The consultation period ends on January 8.