NORTH Somerset residents have reacted to the first T-Pylons between Bridgwater and Loxton.
The 36 pylons have been constructed as part of the Hinkley Connection Project, a 57km high-voltage electricity line that will connect six million properties to low-carbon energy sources.
Residents have had mixed reactions to the new pylons, which are, as the name suggests, T-shaped.
They are also slightly shorter and thinner than the lattice pylons.
Some locals liked the new additions to the countryside, which are said to be more environmentally friendly. One resident said: "I did some research and these T-pylons can carry electricity at a higher voltage safely and are more sustainable than the lattice ones. I quite like them."
Another added: "Fantastic pieces of architecture, far better than the old ones and lovely to look at, well done to all involved."
A few thought that these new pylons were much less of an 'eyesore' than the traditional lattice ones, with a commenter saying: "Better looking than the old ones."
However, not everyone agreed. Voicing their opinion against the constructions, a resident said: "Total eyesore, ruins the views whichever way you go, too big and too many of them.
"In years to come will our children’s children have unknown or new illnesses from these pylons? Scary."
Speaking on a similar wavelength, another resident voiced their concern over disruption to the landscape: "Shame you can’t see through them like the old ones, blots out the landscape."
Many were amused at the shape of the pylons, with someone saying: "They remind me of MC Hammer."
Another likened their shape to the contraceptive coil, while a different individual thought they looked like a ski lift on first glance.
When speaking about the pylons, Steven Haskayne, project director for National Grid said: “This new design forms part of our significant investment in the network in England and Wales, adding capacity onto the grid to deliver low carbon electricity to millions of people across the UK."
Seeing both sides of the debate, one local person concluded: "People can't have it both ways, you either accept them or accept you have to pay even higher fees on your energy bills if you want it underground.
"So which do you choose?"
The plan is to construct another 80 T-pylons by 2024.
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