THIS picture shows the dramatic difference a corridor of electricity pylons stretching from Hinkley Point across the Somerset Levels could make to our countryside.

National Grid has proposed putting 46-metre high pylons across the Levels, through villages including Mark, as pictured, but neighbours claim doing so would devastate the countryside.

Now, following an extremely controversial 14-week public consultation period, during which National Grid received more than 2,000 feedback forms, 1,100 emails and letters and 100 telephone calls, a second consultation has been announced.

National Grid, which has previously ruled out alternatives to pylons such as underground or undersea cables for being too costly, says it wants to explain how it reached that view.

David Mercer, the company's major project manager, told the Weekly News: “Since the initial consultation period ended we have been looking at all the feedback and reflecting on the issues it has raised, and it is very clear that people need more information about alternatives to overhead power lines and pylons.

“In response to these concerns, we have decided to provide both written information and further opportunities for local people to meet the project team, and would welcome further public comments.” Details of the consultation events are to be announced shortly, and will be revealed in the Weekly News.