The pylons that put this view - and livelihoods - at risk

People living in the path of a proposed route for giant electricity pylons say their quality of life will be ruined if the scheme goes ahead.

National Grid has told ITV News it will make its planning application in the spring for 38 miles of cable to travel across Somerset, mainly overground.

It's a move many believe will damage more than just the landscape.

David and Cathie Shepherd, who live near Axbridge, wonder how long their idyllic view of Somerset's Mendip Hills will survive.

They say that, if electricity carriers National Grid get Government approval, this historic landscape will be changed forever.

40 miles of pylons carrying 400,000 volts up to 200 feet above ground are proposed.

They would run from Bridgwater in south Somerset to Avonmouth on the edge of Bristol. Five miles would be buried under the Mendips, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Campaigners want it all out of sight, either under land or sea but National Grid say that would be too expensive. They add there will be fewer of the new T-frame pylons than those which currently stand across this land.

The Shepherds have learnt to live beside an old-style pylon but say new, wider ones would hit not only their lifestyle but their livelihood, arguing visitors to their holiday let would dry up.

National Grid says it will submit its plans in the spring - a year later than originally planned - after listening and responding to people's concerns. It is also undertaking environmental studies and will make any changes before submitting its application.

The Shepherds hope National Grid customers will agree that it is a price worth paying. The anti-pylons campaign has also won the support of local MPs, as Richard Payne reports.