WORKS costing £1.7m have started to 'boost the resilience and flexibility' of vital infrastructure in north Dorset. 

The 'substantial investment' in Sherborne has been made by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).

The operator has started its major programme of works that will increase the capacity and strength of power supplies to 10,350 customers in the town.

The upgrade project, which will run until September 2023, is part of SSEN’s ongoing project to 'improve network flexibility and resilience' for homes and businesses. 

During the nine-month programme, engineers will focus the upgrade on the Sherborne Primary Substation by replacing vital components including transformers, switchgear and circuit breakers.

The nature of these works means some sections will require weekend and school holiday working schedules, SSEN said.

SSEN’s project manager, Aaron Reed, said: "My team and I are delighted to be working on this important network upgrade that will benefit the residents and businesses in this beautiful Dorset town.

"SSEN’s investment in the local infrastructure will ensure a power supply fit for customers’ needs now and as they move to more low carbon technologies, as well as building resilience to cope with extreme weather."

“SSEN has been in discussion with local agencies to ensure that works are carried out in a manner that causes the least disruption.

"While this lengthens the duration of the project, it’s important to us that we take local requirements in to consideration and accommodate them.”

Measures are in place throughout the works to reduce the potential for noise disruption and any temporary traffic restrictions will be authorised by Dorset Council, the company said. 

Any customers in the vicinity of works will be notified 'well in advance', it added. 

While SSEN says it has no planned supply interruptions for the duration of the works, severe weather events can still bring the potential for unplanned power cuts.

Anyone who has concerns about vulnerability during power cuts is reminded of SSEN’s free priority services register.