An electricity substation in Leek is to be completely renovated, and the outdoor equipment moved inside a new building, as part of a £2m upgrade project being carried out by Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England.

The work, which started on Monday, will see the outdoor switchgear removed from the primary substation in Station Street, Leek, improving the view for nearby residents and businesses.

The upgrade is expected to take until July next year to complete, with most of the electrical equipment currently sited outdoors in a secure, fenced-off compound moving into a new building on the site.

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Mike Beasley, Project Manager with Central Networks, said: "We're replacing this equipment in order to guarantee power supplies in the local area both now and for the future as demand grows, and, as a bonus, the site will be far nicer to look at.

"The switchgear outside the substation will be dismantled and removed. The view for local residents will be greatly improved by these works.

"This modern technology not only improves the network but helps us with our commitment to improve the areas where we operate and help the customers we serve.

"There may unfortunately be an increase in road traffic while we carry out work on the substation and we apologise for this inconvenience, but I hope local people will appreciate the changes we are bringing in on site."

The project forms just part of a five-year £1.2bn investment being made by Central Networks, which is part of E.ON.

(CD/JM)