As I write this, the sun is shining at Weston Marsh, water is glistening on the River Welland, the birds are singing and the acres and acres of crops in the fields are looking well. But this is to change and residents of the area are facing drastic changes.
Life here for us changed in 2022 with news of an Outer Dowsing Wind Farm proposed converter station. It soon became apparent to us that we were faced with the construction of a National Grid 35-acre substation with many extra pylons.
After nearly three years, we are now also faced with another National Grid substation (yes, possibly two instead of the previous one as originally thought), another row of 50m pylons spanning a route of 37 miles from Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire, underground cabling from the Outer Dowsing Wind Farm and also the EGL 3 and 4 projects, more with Ossian Wind Farm plus two new converter stations totalling 37.5acres in the Weston/Weston Marsh area, more massive pylons totalling over seven miles connecting from Meridian Solar Farm coming close to Weston and Weston Hills into us and also an unknown connection from Spalding Battery Energy Storage System.
And this is what we know about already with more projects expected! More solar panels etc?
We are not alone! All over the country this is happening.
Here in South Lincolnshire on some of the best land in the country – where is our food going to coming from when the worst happens? Food security is vital to the country! In these days of global uncertainty and conflict we need to be as self sufficient as we can and growing our own food is important. Can anyone remember the food rationing in the country which ended in 1952?
Acres of land being taken up with energy projects and infrastructure together with the areas of land that are being used for housebuilding etc!
Massive disruption for several years to the local area with construction traffic. There could be in the region of up to 500 lorries and vehicles per day driving through our major roads and country lanes.
If you think I am exaggerating go over the border to Norfolk, to Walpole and West Walton, where over the last few years their area has become an industrial site with substations, battery storage, masses of pylons and solar panels with more planned before 2030.
And this is what will happen to Weston Marsh and the Weston area!
What can we do? Go along to any meetings, consultation meetings and comment on any proposals to the various parties involved. Spread the word, join social media groups such as NO PYLONS LINCS, LAND, Meridian Action Group etc.
Now is your chance to comment and have a say. It is too late when the diggers arrive!
Just a reminder about the National Grid consultation event about the Grimsby to Walpole Great Grid Upgrade with its substations and pylons running from Grimsby to Walpole and also the substation and the recently announced route of pylons from Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire (WMEL) at Weston Village Hall on Thursday, July 10 from 1pm to 7pm.
There is also another one on Saturday, July 19 from 11am to 4pm at Tydd St Giles Community Centre. Please help protect our area and countryside.
We are not against net zero but would like these projects to be paused and thought through more carefully. There are other options – offshore for one!
Jenny Pennington
Weston Marsh
