Pylon compensation is a joke, say residents

People living on land that could be chosen for a major new power line have hit back at compensation plans.

The government would give those living within 500m of new pylons £250 a year off their energy bills for a decade.

It comes as National Grid has suggested a new power line might run through countryside in the Amber Valley in Derbyshire.

But the residents are not impressed with the proposal, with local farmer Sarah Bexton saying "any compensation is a joke".

Ministers say securing Britain's energy security is vital and the power lines are needed to supply renewable electricity generated from sources like wind turbines.

However Ms Bexton, who farms at nearby Oakerthorpe, feels the compensation offer, which equates to 68p per day, is derisory.

She said: "£250 is a joke. Any compensation is a joke because once the countryside has been spoilt, it's gone forever.

"There's a big thing about preserving your mental health and connecting with nature. What's natural about giant pylons spoiling the horizon":[]}