McAlpine Calls for Extension on Transmission Upgrade Consultation

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South of Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has today (Thursday) written to the Director of Transmission Programmes at Scottish Power, asking for the consultation on proposals for a transmission upgrade to be extended.

 

The current deadline for views on the “Dumfries and Galloway Strategic Reinforcement” is the 24th of July, which Ms McAlpine argues is not long enough to allow constituents time to consider and respond.

 

Following an approach from Kirkmahoe Community Council, Ms McAlpine backed their request for the deadline to be extended for a month.

 

Commenting, the SNP MSP said:

 

“I know that SP Energy Networks held consultation events across the region. However these lasted just a few days and at this time of year, when people are on holiday, six weeks is not long enough.

 

“There is also the fact that many communities are only now becoming aware of the proposals.”

 

She added:

 

“When I met with Scottish Power bosses last month they assured me that the route for the project had not been decided and a more detailed proposal will come on the back of the public consultation.

 

“Since they are keeping an open mind I do hope that they consider this request and extend the consultation deadline until the end of August.”