A NORTH-EAST MP has welcomed a move to pull down a "revolting" power line that runs across the region.

Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, said it was great to hear that work on the new overhead power line running from Lackenby, through Picton to Shipton will finally begin in Autumn this year.

The scheme has been dogged with controversy with many people in the North-East and North Yorkshire opposing the scheme.

But Ms Taylor said that the new line will mean a revolting line which passes close to Yarm and Eaglescliffe is coming down - albeit not for another three years.

The overhead Lackenby-Crathorne-Norton power line runs within 200 metres of about 5,000 properties in Ms Taylor's constituency.

Properties affected include those in Harrowgate Lane, near Bishopsgarth Comprehensive School, the Surbiton Road area of Hartburn, crossing Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, into Yarm, where the line then crosses the River Tees, passing Levendale Primary School, and houses in Leven Road and Valley Drive.

Ms Taylor said: "It is great to hear that this power line is finally coming down. Many of my constituents have been frustrated that no timetable had been announced. Now we all have something to look forward to."

The 43-mile line will run from Lackenby, through Picton and Shipton, in North Yorkshire, and work is expected to start in the next few months. The line will then go underground for six kilometres from Nunthorpe to Newby to avoid the panoramic views of Roseberry Topping and the Cleveland Hills.