Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution's (SSEPD) £2.1m upgrade of the electricity network in the Kings Worthy area is now under way on Harestock Road, and local MP Steve Brine has paid the site a visit to help with the first stage of excavation.
The first phase of the 4-part project sees engineers working along Harestock Road until 4 July, where they are installing new underground cables to upgrade and strengthen local electricity supplies. The remaining three phases will take place throughout the summer months, with the project as a whole being completed by winter. Full details of the plans, and what they will mean for local people, are available on the company's website, www.sse.com/theworthies.
SSEPD's Head of Operations, Craig Gilroy, explains what will be happening over the coming 4-5 weeks: "We've got an ongoing commitment to provide a quality service and improve supply reliability to all our customers, and this essential work will see us renew nearly 2.5km of high voltage electricity between our substation on Stockbridge Road before continuing along Harestock Road, and finishing down Well House Lane."
Working alongside SSEPD engineers will be Hampshire-based contractors, Durkin and Sons. Company director Edward Durkin, explains that prior to the main works starting, his team have been busy checking the route for other utilities' underground cables, using maps and hi-tech scanning equipment:
"Safety is the most important part of the work we do, and with the engineers digging about a metre under the roads, it's vital that we know exactly what's down there before we start working; that way we can ensure our teams' safety as well as protecting the local water, telephone and television supplies."
Steve Brine MP was on hand to see the first series of excavations taking place and, after donning SSEPD safety gear, even got to take part in the digging!
He says: "It is fascinating to see firsthand the amount of planning and preparation that goes into a project such as this and to hear exactly how it will be implemented on the ground. I have worked extremely closely with SSEPD since the power cuts which so badly affected Kings Worthy in particular earlier this year, so it is really good to see work under way and I hope the long-term security of supply can now be assured for my constituents."
Pictured; Steve joins some of the team on Harestock Road