Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has announced the launch of a programme of works on underground power supply in the Godlingston Hill area of Ullwell, Swanage.

The £850,000 project is part of the distribution operator's scheme to underground cables in areas that will be most visually improved.

The Dorset village is popular throughout the year with both tourists and local residents looking to explore the area and visit historic sites, such as the ancient bowl barrow. SSEN will restore the historic views to the site as as part of its ongoing £15m investment programme to underground 90km of overhead distribution lines in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and National Scenic Areas across its central southern England and north of Scotland networks.

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The works, which will run until late spring, will include the undergrounding of 1.5 kilometres of power cable, building resilience in to supplies for local homes and businesses, and the construction of a substation that will also provide power for the area's National Trust offices.

Tim Brooks is SSEN's Project Manager for the works. He said: "My team and I are delighted to be carrying out this substantial project to remove the overhead cables on Godlingston Hill, replacing them with modern and efficient new cables that will be undergrounded.

"As well as providing a robust and flexible power supply for those living and working in the area, we will be building a network fit for the future as more people living and visiting Dorset turn to low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles."

Tim continued: "SSEN takes the time to fully consider both local customers and the environment to ensure minimal disruption during its projects, and while the timescale on this particular scheme is short in duration, the positive impact of the works will be significant for many years to come."

Godlingston Hill was proposed by local stakeholders as having the potential for visual improvement through the removal of the overhead network, and through subsequent consultation and analysis of the works was approved as part of SSEN's £15 million undergrounding programme.