THE Government is to decide if 15 'eyesore' pylons should be removed and replaced with an underground cable.

Residents and housing companies Barratt and Persimmon Homes have called on United Utilities to remove the pylons from the Sefton Fold Farm development, Burnley Road, between Clayton-le-Moors and Altham.

Now the Department of Trade and Industry will see if United Utilities should pay to remove the pylons, which have also been the subject of complaints by residents.

A spokesman for Goodyear William chartered surveyors, who represent Barratt and Persimmon, said the firms want to build at least 100 new homes in Sefton Fold Farm.

The DTI may call a public inquiry under the 1899 Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act if a solution cannot be reached.

The move coincides with an investigation by Clayton-le-Moors councillor Tim O'Kane, who had been trying for a year to find out who was responsible for the power lines after complaints by residents.

Landlord John Burke, of the Albion, Whalley Road, collected 70 signatures opposing the pylons and nine in support. Goodyear Williams partner, Stephen Williams, said: "This line is ugly and intrusive and an eyesore. We understand from the DTI the line has been around for about 60 years and Clayton has changed very much over that time, with more houses and factories.

"It is reasonable for the line to now go underground. High power lines at 132 kilovolts may be more of a problem to get rid of, but this is just 33 kilovolts and easier to deal with.

He added: "We asked United Utilities for information on the company's views on the possible rerouting of the line, the costs of doing so and the lifespan of the existing apparatus in April, but they have not supplied us with any information.

"The new housing of our client companies is beneath the route of the overhead line, but we recognise it has a wider significance and effect." We welcome participation by others and reserve the right to join them in presenting a joint case.

"The houses our clients want to build will still be sold but for less than what it would be if the pylons were removed."

Councillor Tim O'Kane said: "These pylons are an eyesore and I would welcome a review by the DTI to establish how much they are needed."

"We have no problems joining forces with the housing developer, who may gain financially from this if it is in the common good."

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "I can confirm the DTI has been contacted to review the planning permission for the overhead lines.

"There are two developers seeking compensation for their developments, but it is not appropriate to comment further. These overhead lines have provided thousands of homes in Accrington with electricity very satisfactorily and are a vital piece of the electricity infrastructure."