THE pressure group resisting the construction of a power line through the heart of the Vale of York is to carry on its fight, despite the first pylon going up at Tholthorpe.

The 180ft steel tower is the first of dozens to be built from Picton in the north to Shipton-by-Beningbrough in the south.

Rural England Versus Overhead Transmission has said it will act as "watchdog and whistle-blower", monitoring the pylons and the impact they have on the area.

"We will continue to argue that the pylons are not only unnecessary and potentially dangerous but also a criminal waste of energy and money," said spokesman Mike O'Carroll.

Vale of York Tory MP Anne McIntosh said: "There's no need for the pylons. They are clearly going to be an eyesore and bad for the environment."

National Grid spokesman, Stewart Grant, said the company will be trying to limit the impact of the new power line.

"We recognise this remains a sensitive issue with some members of the community. We intend to minimise the impact of the construction and work with the communities as closely as possible."