Wharfedale and Aireborough’s farmers and landowners are being warned to expect low-flying helicopters overhead during the next few months.

Northern Powergrid will be carrying out low-level helicopter inspections of all its overhead power lines in Yorkshire and the North-East, starting from Monday.

The exercise, which is to check for any signs of damage or deterioration, will see about 120,000 poles, and 10,000 kilometres of line inspected and will continue until September.

Northern Powergrid’s network inspections manager, Gary Bartholomew, said: “Our helicopter will be flying at low level and, due to the large area we are inspecting, will also be flying at a speed of about 30 kilometres an hour.

“We are aware that the operation may result in some noise or disruption to livestock and the pilot and the observer will make every effort to avoid this while they are flying.

“We would therefore like farmers and landowners to be aware of our inspection activity.

“This aerial inspection of our power lines takes place every year to ensure our electricity network continues to run efficiently. Many of these poles and cables are in isolated areas and subjected to extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds, ice and snow.

“We are committed to keeping power cuts to a minimum, whatever the weather, and that is why regular inspections like this make sure our network is in good condition.”

Anyone who would like more information is asked to call the Northern Powergrid contact centre on 08450 707172.