CAMPAIGNERS have hailed the start of a public consultation into a proposed corridor of electricity pylons through parts of Sedgemoor as an “early Christmas present”.

As previously reported, National Grid has bowed to pressure from various campaign groups and agreed to consider underground cables instead of 150ft pylons to power the proposed Hinkley Point C.

The company launched its consultation on Wednesday.

Hector Pearson, National Grid stakeholder and policy manager, said: “We need to manage the costs of these projects responsibly as these costs will ultimately be paid for by electricity consumers.

“However, we also need to consider the impact on the local landscape and communities of what we build.

“We are very keen to hear people's views. Their opinions will play an important part in shaping our approach.”

Anti-pylon protestors claim the structures would destroy natural areas across the Somerset Levels including Woolavington, the Huntspills, and Mark.

Paul Hipwell, chairman of No Moor Pylons, said this week: “This is a brilliant Christmas present for the people of Somerset.”

Ian Liddell-Grainger, Bridgwater MP, added: “National Grid has bowed to the pressure from campaigners and Sedgemoor District Council - this is very, very good news.”

Campaign groups are now asking people to respond to the consultation, which runs until March 16, 2011.

National Grid says it will consider all feedback before publishing a revised approach to under-grounding in April.