SP Electricity North West has allocated £16m to upgrade the electricity infrastructure serving the village of Coniston, with works planned on both underground and overhead parts of the network.

Covering around 39km of network assets, the programme aims to deliver a more reliable and resilient supply while supporting local economic activity, transport, development and tourism.

Vincent Cranny, head of capital projects at SP Electricity North West, said: "Our £16m investment in Coniston represents a major commitment to village's future.

"The work we'll be carrying out will significantly improve the reliability of the power network, future proof crucial electrical infrastructure and create future capacity which will unlock the pathway towards economic growth.

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"We recognise the significance of the project and we are committed to working closely with key stakeholders so we minimise impact where possible.

"However, I want to reinforce that this is a long-term investment that will deliver lasting benefits for homes, businesses and visitors while also ensuring Coniston has a reliable power network."

Throughout the scheme, SP Electricity North West is coordinating traffic management with Westmorland and Furness Council to keep disruption to a minimum.

The company is also liaising with Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron and will share information updates with his constituents.

"I'm delighted that this significant investment is going into strengthening Coniston's electricity network," added Tim Farron MP.

"The severe impact of numerous storms in recent years have highlighted how fragile the network can be, with residents left without power for days on end.

"Storms are becoming commonplace, so this is a really welcome and vital move to make Coniston more resilient for many years to come.

"I also want to thank the local councillor Suzanne Pender for campaigning tirelessly for a more resilient service since Storm Arwen in 2021"

Planned works include new connections between Ambleside and Coniston, reinforcement of the underground 33,000-volt network, and the removal of overhead power lines between Ulverston and Coniston — including across Blawith Fell — to be replaced with underground cables.