A PROJECT to modernise the electricity network in Wrexham, Brymbo, Caergwrle and Johnstown has resulted in a new habitat for great crested newts.
ScottishPower employed an ecologist to help improve the environment around the company's substations and protect the habitat of birds, otters, water voles, badgers and newts.
A landscape feature and a newt pond were created at Legacy substation, space which became available when the old equipment was moved indoors.
A footpath was laid to the pond and decking has been provided so children visiting the centre can have easy access.
Members of the British Trust for Conversation Volunteers helped to complete the work and all the materials used were from Scottish-Power's worksite.
The refurbishment became necessary because of the growing economic success of the town. Housing developments, the expansion of the shopping centre and increased commercial and industrial usages has seen demand for electricity in Wrexham increase at almost double the UK average rate.
Karen Sinclair, AM for Clwyd South, visited Legacy to see the £17m scheme and said: 'It is good to see that ScottishPower is helping to ensure the continuing success of Wrexham's economic growth by supplying an improved electricity supply.
'I was also delighted to see firsthand the care they have taken to ensure environmental improvements to the area are included as part of this scheme.'
The project, which involves alterations and additions to the existing major distribution substations in the area and the installation of high-voltage cables, is expected to continue until 2005.
