Work on Silsden’s electricity network to last until 2024

Work on a £10 million programme to improve Silsden’s electricity network will start this month.

From Keighley News 4 May 2021

Northern Powergrid says the project – which will run until the end of 2024 – will involve the replacement of five kilometres of extra-high-voltage underground cables and 55km of overhead lines, dating back to the 1960s.

The programme, which is scheduled to start on May 24, comprises 11 separate schemes.

Also included will be the construction of a new electricity substation.

Northern Powergrid says the work will help the town meet future power demands and “significantly enhance” the landscape, with a number of existing power lines and electricity poles due for removal.

The first part of the programme – being delivered for Northern Powergrid by Excalon Ltd – will involve the replacement of 2.5km of underground cable running from a substation in Holden Lane, along Howden Road, St John’s Road/Clog Bridge, Hainsworth Road and Belton Road to near the junction with Keighley Road.

A section of Holden Lane will be closed between the junctions of Hawber Lane and Brunthwaite Bridge Road while work is carried out around the substation. A signposted diversion will be in place.

From early/mid June until early July, the team will be working along Howden Road in short sections from the junction of Holden Lane to the Clog Bridge/John Street junction. This will be carried out using multi-way traffic lights.

There will be a rolling daytime-only road closure along Hainsworth Road from the junction of Clog Bridge/John Street to the junction of Belton Road from early July for up to three weeks.

The final section of this work along Belton Road from the junction of Hainsworth Road to the junction of Keighley Road will be completed using multi-way traffic lights from mid/end July.

Northern Powergrid says it will be writing to everyone directly affected to let them know where and when work is taking place.

An online briefing via Zoom takes place between 7pm and 8pm  May 5 – anyone wishing to participate can register at eventbrite.co.uk/e/northern-powergrid-investing-10-million-in-silsden-tickets-152731811961.

And a Northern Powergrid customer support vehicle will be parked at the junction of Hainsworth Road and Belton Road from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Thursday.

 

Michelle Jeffery, Northern Powergrid customer service manager for the West Yorkshire region, said: “Our investment work in Silsden over the coming years will deliver some real positives for the local community, ensuring the reliability of the power supply and improving the visual appearance of the town.

“That said, we’re always very aware of the potential impact of our work on people’s everyday lives – especially when we know other utilities have been working in the area recently – which is why we’re doing all we can to support and communicate with local people while we carry out this important investment in the area’s electricity network.

“We’ll be issuing information to all affected customers to explain what we’ll be doing and when. Our letters will also provide details of how to sign-up for free to our priority services membership which offers extra support to customers who may be more vulnerable.

“We’d encourage local residents and businesses to attend one of our information sessions to find out more about what we’re doing, but if not please get in touch and we’ll arrange for one of our team to give you a call or come and visit you at home or work if that’s better for you.”

For more details, visit northernpowergrid.com/silsden or contact the company’s customer care team on 0800 011 3332.