RESIDENTS have condemned new utility poles erected in their village, which they describe as "horrific monstrosities".

Villagers in Middleton Tyas, which straddles a conservation area, have seen seven new utility poles installed over the past six weeks, replacing the older, smaller cast iron constructions.

They say the developments have blighted the village, and are now lobbying power company NEDL to take urgent action to reverse the damage.

Eileen Davies, chairman of Middleton Tyas Parish Council, said that, although the old poles needed replacing, a better job could have been done. "They look utterly horrific," she said. "Some of the poles elsewhere in the village are made out of wood it's not great, but it's a lot better than this.

"We have been told that parish councils can apply to have cables diverted underground, but I doubt many parish councils have enough money lying around to pay for something like that."

Coun Jill McMullen, who represents the area on Richmondshire District Council, said representatives from NEDL had been co-operative during meetings with villagers but that action must be taken.

"Middleton Tyas has been blighted," she said. "We can't be the only village with this problem, and I would urge others to be careful of developments like this so they don't end up in the same situation.

"We cannot accept this, and we hope NEDL will be able to provide a solution."

A spokesman for NEDL said the new cables would help reduce power cuts in the area. "According to new EU legislation, we have to wire cables differently now," he said. "This makes them heavier, and wooden poles would simply not be strong enough unless large metal supports were attached, which would be even more intrusive.

"We are looking into ways in which the cables for street lighting can be run underground, but the other poles will have to remain."