Manweb is planning to upgrade a two kilometre stretch of overhead line between Wincham and Lostock - an area which has been plagued by power problems over the past few years.

"This is good news for the local community and local wildlife," said a spokeswoman.

"The problems are caused by birds landing on the conductors and trees touching the lines when it's windy.

"We are going to refurbish the line, cut trees back and put covers on the conductors.

"It will improve the supply and stop birds from being electrocuted."

Manweb needs planning permission before it can start work but hopes to begin the project early next year.

And the start date can't come soon enough for the chairman of Wincham's parish council, Roy Mainwaring.

"We've had hellish problems with the electricity in Wincham in the past but in the last six months it's not been too bad," he said.

"If Manweb is going to bring us into the 20th century just before the 21st, that's great news.

"It's good to know they are spending a bit of money at last."

The work is part of Manweb's efforts to refurbish the whole of its overhead network in Cheshire.

"It does take a while to get round to different areas," added the spokeswoman.

"This is part of our commitment to improving the service across the whole of the county."

The work is scheduled to take several weeks.

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