Overhead lines removed from Downs

Power cables will be removed from the Cuckmere Valley first

More than five miles (8.5km) of overhead power lines are to be removed from the Sussex Downs, with underground cables being installed in their place.

EDF Energy said the £870,000 project would improve views of the Downs from Jevington, Seaford, Saltdean, Telscombe, Rottingdean and Woodingdean.

The Cuckmere Valley will be the first beauty spot where work will start, with half a mile of lines removed.

It will also see 19 wooden poles supporting the lines removed.

'Welcome opportunity'

The areas where overhead lines are to be removed have been recommended by a group of environmental experts set up to look at areas of outstanding natural beauty and national parks.

Funding has come from power industry regulator Ofgem.

"Such landscapes have been recognised by successive governments as having the highest level of protection," said spokesman Martin Beaton.

"This is a very welcome opportunity to remove intrusive power lines from the Sussex Downs."

The rest of the power lines will be removed in two phases from the edge of Friston Forest between Friston and Jevington and between Telscome Tye and Woodingdean.