POWER bosses have been told to think again about installing 13-metre high posts through one of the most picturesque corners of Lymm.

Villagers were outraged at Manweb's latest attempts to meet electricity demand in mid and south Cheshire - which would involve erecting new 132 kilovolt power lines from an area to the north of Wet Gate Lane to the south of Higher Lane.

This would form part of a 22km route linking Carrington and Lostock sub stations.

Manweb has come under heavy fire for allegedly putting economic before environmental costs - and been urged to lay electricity cables underground.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt said: "This particular line is of no benefit to the people of Lymm. It is to improve supply in mid and south Cheshire.

"We don't know why we should have to suffer this desecration of our green belt."

Residents' spokesman Paul Lockett said many villagers remained unaware of the power lines bid, as the latest public consultation by Manweb was four years ago.

Forty-six people wrote late letters of objection.

The area was an important recreational feature, used by cyclists, walkers and birdwatchers, he added.

Four years ago, after an outcry, the line's route was diverted away from Spud Wood and land where Lymm High was looking to extend its playing fields.

But Manweb projects manager John Heathman said the option chosen would have the least environmental impact.

Dismissing calls for underground lines, he said pylon repairs could often be completed within 24 hours.

But because of the technology involved, work on buried cables took far longer and caused greater ecological damage, he argued.

Mr Heathman also admitted it would cost five or six times more to fit underground cables.

Committee member Clr Les Street said: "I would not wish to live in a house that is near to a 132kv cable and I would not like to inflict it on anyone else."

Councillors agreed to lodge objections to the line plans. The final decision rests with the Department of Trade and Industry.