SUFFOLK: Keep your overhead cables away from our wonderful county!

SUFFOLK: Keep your overhead cables away from our wonderful county!

That was the message from the county council to the National Grid as protesters heard members attack plans for new lines of pylons across some of the Suffolk's most beautiful landscape.

The public gallery at the council chamber was packed as the cabinet debated the merits of the four routes proposed by the National Grid.

Paul West, cabinet member for the Greenest County, said that option 2b was the “least worst” proposal because it followed the line of existing wires.

An amended motion said that of the four routes proposed by National Grid, Route 2b would cause the least damage, but said any cables should be put underground.

Labour councillor Sandy Martin described routes three and four as “Aunt Sallies” drawn through unspoilt countryside just to make up the numbers and push people towards accepting other routes.