The electricity cables have to go somewhere - are you just NIMBYs?

We are people who want to defend this much loved valley from plans that would destroy its character forever. Many of us live in the area but we have supporters from miles away who know and love places like Backwell Lake and are horrified that it could be spoiled in this way. So long as there are alternatives that don't spoil this rolling English countryside with 150 feet high pylons we'll campaign to save our valley.

Why isn't Save Our Valley campaigning to get the cables put under the sea?

It would be great if all the cables could be put safely onto the sea bed. We have made representations to our MP Dr Liam Fox, the various Local Authorities, CPRE and other bodies urging them to fight on this point on behalf of all affected areas. However Save Our Valley is not campaigning on this for two reasons. First we have to respond to National Grid's consultation which only offers us two corridors both of which will be wholly or almost exclusively overground. Secondly we are not technical experts and don’t have the money to employ a specialist to come up with the technical argument for laying cables under the sea.

Why isn't Save Our Valley campaigning to get the cables put underground?

It would be great if all the cables could be put underground. We have made representations to our MP Dr Liam Fox, the various Local Authorities, CPRE and other bodies urging them to fight on this point on behalf of all affected areas. However Save Our Valley is not campaigning on this for two reasons. First we have to respond to National Grid's consultation which only offers us two corridors both of which will be wholly or almost exclusively overground. Secondly we are not technical experts and don’t have the money to employ a specialist to come up with the technical argument for laying cables underground.

Why not put the cables underground using the hard shoulder of the M5?

Sounds like a great idea but unfortunately when cables are put underground they need a 40 metre wide strip of land so even if they dug up the whole width of the motorway there would not be enough space.

Can landowners refuse National Grid permission to put up pylons on their land?

No they can't. National Grid have compulsory purchase powers so they can put up pylons, and gain access to maintain them, anywhere. Farmers and other landowners can lengthen out the process of obtaining permission but cannot ultimately stop National Grid putting up pylons on their land.

What is Save Our Valley's view on Corridor 1 which would route pylons to the West of Nailsea?

The Save Our Valley campaign was started by people living in Backwell, the East of Nailsea and Wraxall who were horrified at the proposals for Corridor 2 which will ruin forever our beautiful valley (which is how we got our name). We quickly realised that National Grid could interpret our "no" to Corridor 2 as unqualified acceptance of new lines being built in Corridor 1. This is not our position. If National Grid chooses Corridor 1 then we must ensure that this is used as an opportunity to help people whose homes are currently blighted by having pylons very close to them. No-one gains if Corridor 2 is chosen; if Corridor 1 is chosen people could benefit if pylons near their homes are removed and the new line is located further away.

Wouldn’t the outcome for people living near the existing pylons on Corridor 1 be better if Corridor 2 was built?

If the pylons go along Corridor 2 the people living West of Nailsea will see no improvement in their current situation. The two sets of pylons that currently blight their homes would stay in place and could still be upgraded in future years.

If pylons are built in Corridor 2 what will the effect be on house prices in the area?

If Corridor 2 is built Nailsea will be a town surrounded by pylons which is likely to have a detrimental affect on property values throughout Nailsea and the surrounding area. Many people come to Backwell, Nailsea and Wraxall when they move jobs and they look at a number of options here as well as places like Portishead and Clevedon. Once Nailsea is surrounded by pylons, why would anyone choose this area over the alternatives?

It is estimated that homes along Corridor 2 could lose up to £125,000 in value which would push some home owners into negative equity and properties would be very hard to sell for years to come. This, however, is not an issue to National Grid and they will not take impact on property prices into consideration when choosing where to put pylons. Click here to see the thoughtful letter by respected Nailsea estate agent Stephen Pring.

What are the health risks of living, working and playing near to 400kV overhead power lines?

National Grid and the Government don't accept that high voltage overhead power lines cause illness. However the World Health Organisation believes that further studies are needed and there is wide spread uncertainty globally. There are many reports that suggest that these power cables have a detrimental affect on health in particular increasing the incidence of childhood leukaemia and Alzheimer’s disease. The public perception is that living close to power cables could affect their family's health but National Grid and the Government do not agree.

Does National Grid have to take account of the impact of the route in the landscape and environment?

Yes - this is a key issue. However National Grid's own Route Corridor Study did not mention Backwell Lake and its amenity value. There is clear legislative and policy support for protecting a treasured environment such as this valley which is highly valued both for its visual impact but also for its recreational resources with Tyntesfield, Backwell Lake and the fields and lanes which are widely used by walkers and cyclists throughout the year and which provide a beautiful and easily accessible escape for people from miles around and especially from Bristol.

What about the impact of the pylons and cables on wildlife such as birds and bats?

At the narrow gap between Nailsea and Backwell, Corridor 2 will have to pass right over Backwell Lake which is a haven for many wild birds and bats. Swans for example fly through the valley daily. Measures taken to prevent birds flying into power lines (killing themselves and bringing down cables) are frequently not effective and power lines are sometime buried to prevent problems. See this news story from the BBC

We are also concerned about the impact on the feeding and breeding habits of birds and bats. Greater Horseshoe bats use Backwell Lake and the surrounding high hedgerows along the valley from Young Wood farm to the Green Belt areas just after Moorside Farm as a foraging, roosting and feeding area. To contemplate developing the area for pylons and the associated power lines would result in fragmentation of the bats’ habitat and would result in a loss, possibly a total loss, of the protected bat species population. This would be against UK and EU laws and could result in court action to protect the population.

How do I have my say?

Take a look at the Campaign page for information on who to contact and what you could say.

How do I become a Save Our Valley supporter?

Go to the Join us page and fill in the online form - it's that simple.

Is there a fee to become a supporter?

There's no fee to become a supporter but do make a donation if you can. We're local people dipping into our own pockets to run this campaign so every pound people give makes a massive difference. Click here to find out how to make your donation.