CHIDDINGFOLD is to benefit from an extended electricity distribution network following a series of power cuts late last year.

The scheme to extend the 11,000 volt network, which runs from Milford to Chiddingfold, is expected to go ahead during the coming financial year, 2001/2002.

Following concerns from residents, Scottish and Southern Energy has decided to upgrade the supply line.

An underground line will be put in and will be the main feed cable for supplying electricity to that area.

When the underground cable is in place the company is then expected to dismantle the existing overhead cables.

A spokesman for Scottish and Southern Energy said the project would also include increased tree-cutting in the area, although it is unable to say how many trees this would involve. The cutting is to help prevent further power cuts caused by twigs or trees brushing against cables.

He added that work is hoped to begin in late spring and is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Wayleave officers for the company have already begun negotiations with landowners.

"Residents in Chiddingfold did have a period from September to November last year when they experienced an unusually large number of power cuts caused by trees colliding with overhead lines," the spokesman said.

He added that trees brushing against the line, or twigs falling, caused a short-circuit which would trigger a circuit-breaker causing a power cut. After 10-15 seconds, the power would come back on to test if the line was clear.

"We're confident that when the work is completed the electricity network in that area will perform better than last year," the spokesman continued.

"Any disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum. We do have a full-time tree cutting programme and we do seek permission from tree owners.

"The work will mean the line shouldn't need to be serviced again for five years."

SW Surrey MP Virginia Bottomley helped campaign for the improved system after she was contacted by concerned residents last November.

Thanking Mrs Bottomley for her campaigning, Chiddingfold resident Valerie Yeoman said: "When the scheme is completed, it will enable Chiddingfold to be transferred to the underground network.

"In the meantime, Southern Electric has increased its line patrols and tree-cutting to help keep interruptions to a minimum."