Giles Watling MP, Member of Parliament for Clacton has today welcomed news that £1.7m funding, with the potential for a further £11.7m grant, has been awarded to a consortium of windfarms to explore whether they could be linked via off-shore cabling.
The announcement by the Government means that, if successful, no new pylons or substations would be constructed in the Clacton constituency.
Mr Watling has previously raised questions in the House of Commons to Ministers on the matter of the proposed pylon construction plan and hopes that this funding is the answer that constituents have been searching for.
In a statement, Mr Watling said:
"The news that the Government has finally agreed to consider my calls for off-shore solutions is incredibly welcome. This is a significant victory for North Essex and offers my constituents a very real chance that no new pylons or substations will blight our landscape and areas of natural beauty. I have repeatedly called for this in the House and in meetings with Ministers and in light of this announcement I hope that this funding brings relief to my constituents."
Residents are strongly encouraged to take part in upcoming consultations on the matter to have their voices heard.