Essential work only on electricity cables

ESSENTIAL work only is continuing on the overhead electricity lines to the east of Langholm.

The modernisation programme is being carried out by SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the licensed transmission owner responsible for the transmission of electricity in central and southern Scotland.

Its role is to maintain, operate and invest in the network, providing a safe, reliable and economic service for both residents and business.

As the operator of the electricity transmission network and critical national infrastructure in central and southern Scotland, its top priority during the COVID-19 crisis is to ensure the power continues to flow for its 3.5 million customers, making certain that vital sites, like hospitals and key installations, receive the electricity supply they need.

To ensure it delivers this effectively and, as part of its investment and modernisation programme, it began a major refurbishment of the 132 kV overhead line which runs between Galashiels, Hawick, Langholm and Harker sub-stations.

This overhead line provides power to much of the border area, with the local distribution network supplying electricity to homes and businesses from it.

A spokesperson said: “We realise households are concerned in the current circumstances we all face.

“Only work deemed as essential is continuing at this stage. This work safeguards the resilience of the network as it continues to play its vital part in supporting all our communities and stakeholders.

“Our standard working practices, involved in delivering the project, have been reviewed in terms of COVID-19 and a range of additional measures introduced to allow us to carry out the work as safely as possible.

“As a result of the current situation with COVID-19, we are unable to inform the wider community by way of a letter drop and we would appreciate it if this information is circulated and SPEN’s details are passed onto the community in case they have any questions.

People can contact Colin Wylie or Amar Shakoor at SPEN on 0141 614 3749 or 07516 461129.

Councillor Ronnie Tait said that, in response to a number of enquiries he had received, no one would be cut off.

Residents of the town reported low water pressure or no water coming through their pipes last Thursday morning.

Enquires were made with Scottish Water which confirmed a pipe had burst.

A spokesperson said: “We attended and repaired a four-inch burst water pipe in Townfoot. It caused a short interruption in the water supply to customers.”

People had also complained about dirty water. The spokesperson added: “Increased use of water in homes because of the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown and the recent hot weather increased the flow of water in the network as we kept up with need.

“This led to discoloured water for some customers as additional flows lifted the natural sediment in the mains.

“The water remained safe to use for drinking, washing and cooking. We continue to monitor this situation and where necessary will flush the network when required.

“We urge our customers to be water efficient in their homes and use only the water they need, especially during prolonged hotter and drier weather.”