CAMPAIGNERS against plans to install huge pylons across the Somerset countryside will take part in a special walk next month.

National Grid plans to install a 400,000 volt power line between a planned new nuclear power plant near Bridgwater and a substation in Avonmouth.

If allowed to go ahead, this will see 152ft pylons installed along the 37-mile route through Somerset and North Somerset.

However, the energy giant is currently considering where the lines should be placed underground to protect certain areas of significance, such as the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB).

To assess the visual impact the pylons will have when viewed from the Mendip Hills, a walk has been organised to the top of Crook Peak, a hill in the AONB, setting off at 11am on June 24.

Campaigners, councillors and conservation groups will be joined by North Somerset MP Dr Liam Fox and Wells MP Tessa Munt.

Dawn Smith of the Mendip parishes and interest groups said: “As National Grid is currently considering possible areas for undergrounding, we feel it is vitally important to raise the profile of the Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels now, before these protected and precious landscapes are devastated by these giant pylons.”