BRITAIN'S oldest national conservation body has added its support to campaigns against the building of giant pylons in the Lake District.

The Open Spaces Society has joined the Friends of the Lake District and other objectors in fighting National Grid’s plan to erect 47m pylons on the western border of the Lake District National Park.

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The pylons, which would be as high as Barrow Town Hall, are part of the North West Coast Connections project and would run along the Wicham Valley and around the head of the Duddon Estuary.

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, has urged National Grid to abandon the proposal and consider alternatives such as taking the cables offshore.

She said: "We deplore National Grid’s plan to erect an army of massive pylons marching across this splendid landscape. They will be visible from miles around, from within and outside the national park, and will destroy the lovely setting of the fells and the Duddon Estuary.

"We believe that these pylons will jeopardise the Lake District’s bid for World Heritage Status as well as ruining people’s enjoyment of this splendid, unparalleled landscape.

"Income from tourism is crucial to the Lake District’s economy and this could well be impaired if the landscape is trashed.

"There are many commons in the vicinity, where the public has the right to roam freely on foot, and in many places on horseback.

"The pylons would have a severe effect on people’s enjoyment of the commons, such as the massive Black Combe to the west of the Whicham valley.

"We call on National Grid to abandon its current plans and instead consider alternative locations which will not damage a unique landscape."

National Grid needs to link the planned Moorside nuclear plant, near Sellafield, with the power network. So far the company has confirmed that 14.5 miles of cables would go underground.

However, opponents have criticised plans to use pylons for part of the route just outside the Lake District National Park boundary.

To give feedback on the North West Coast Connections consultation before 5pm on January 6, click here .