SCC Tories ignore Suffolk residents views on Pylons that will blight the landscape

3.27.00pm GMT Fri 19th Feb 2010

Liberal Democrats have voiced their disappointment that Conservatives at Suffolk County Council have decided not to challenge National Grid on their flawed pylon consultation.

Commenting on the decision Liberal Democrat Group Leader Kathy Pollard said "Opting for one of the four suggested routes plays into the hands of National Grid, who are proposing a short term solution which will scar for decades to come the lovely countryside captured by John Constable, and Thomas Gainsborough."

The Tories have decided to retain the view that route 2b, is the 'least environmentally damaging option', even though it passes through the Dedham Vale AONB, and the sensitive landscape of the Stour Valley. Cllr Pollard added "I am appalled that the Conservatives have effectively agreed the further desecration of the Suffolk countryside and Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here we have the opportunity of a lifetime to challenge National Grid's plans for overhead pylons and ask them instead to consider other options like undergrounding or marine cables."

The Liberal Democrats asked that the original Cabinet paper of February 2nd be discussed again at the County Council meeting today.

Essex CC, Babergh DC and Braintree DC have rejected all four options, making Suffolk County Council the exception.

Organisations like the Dedham Vale Society, Colne-Stour Countryside Association and River Stour Trust have also challenged all four corridors and asked National Grid to think again.

She added "The extra capacity provided by this pylon route would not be needed until at least the end of this decade, so there is time for National Grid to give more serious consideration to non-pylon options."

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Bosmere, Julia Truelove, said "We as County Councillors must not let ourselves be bullied by National Grid. We must do all we can to protect the Suffolk countryside, which is vital to the tourist economy and the well being of those who live in the area."

Standing together with other Councils and Districts would help show National Grid that none of these options are acceptable. Instead we are now left with Route 2b, the so called 'least worst option'."