A £95,000 project has been set in motion to remove overhead power lines in a coastal north Norfolk beauty spot, improving the landscape for residents and wildlife.

North Norfolk News: The communities of Cley and Salthouse begin to get back to normal after four days of disruption. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAYThe communities of Cley and Salthouse begin to get back to normal after four days of disruption. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAY (Image: Archant)

UK Power Networks which owns and operates the lines, is funding the project to replace the 760 metres of overhead powerlines.

They will be replaced with 600 metres of underground cables.

A single ground level transformer will also replace three pole-mounted transformers.

As well as improving the views, it is hoped that the removal of the overhead lines will reduce the risk of swans who use the freshwater marshes running into power lines.

North Norfolk News: A view along the coast, towards Weybourne and Cley, from Sheringham.A view along the coast, towards Weybourne and Cley, from Sheringham. (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

UK Power Networks project manager, Tony Dobing, said: 'This important project will see our overhead electricity lines removed from what is a beautiful coastal site.

'As well as improving the views, this should also help to make electricity supplies to residents in the area more reliable during severe weather. We are working closely with local residents and our partners to complete the work as soon as possible and with minimal disruption.'

The cables and poles at Cley and Wiveton Hall are scheduled to be removed by April of this year at the site, which is in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Mr Dobing continued: 'The work we are doing with the support of our partners and the local landowners will enhance the location hugely for future generations and will be appreciated both by those who live there and the many people who visit the area.'

North Norfolk News: blacktailed godwit cley marshblacktailed godwit cley marsh (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

The scheme is funded by a special allowance, granted by electricity industry regulator Ofgem, to enable the removal of overhead power lines to improve the landscape in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks.

Estelle Hook, manager of the Norfolk Coast Partnership, said: 'More than 60,000 tourists walk the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail each year, and many enjoy the exceptional views from the trail across reedbeds and marsh to Cley Windmill at this point.

'Removal of the lines, poles and transformers will reveal the wild natural beauty of this landscape once more.'