WITHAM’S MP claims a new report which looks at electricity options offers an "alternative" to National Grid’s "ill thought through" pylon plans.

The Electricity System Operator published a report which examines a series of options that can transmit electricity generated from offshore wind farms to the UK power grid.

The nine different options include alternatives to the National Grid’s current scheme to cover the East of England with 112 miles of pylons and overhead powerlines.

Some of the alternatives outlined in the report include developing an offshore grid and using a combination of underground cables.

MP Dame Priti Patel said: “We have been campaigning for an alternative to the National Grid’s plans for pylons.

“This report gives us an indication of a comparison of the costs and impacts of a range of options.

“The details in the report will need careful consideration, but they demonstrate that there are alternatives to the National Grid’s ill-thought-through pylons plans.

“I will be working with colleagues and campaigners to review this report and take further action.”

This follows on from Dame Priti’s criticism of National Grid’s ongoing plans in November last year.

She said her constituents were angry about the imposed 100 miles of pylons between Norwich and Tilbury.

At the time, she also challenged the Government over plans to fast-track the planning process to build more pylons during questions to the energy minister on November 28.