AN electricity company has launched a formal challenge to two housing developers campaigning for the removal of a group of pylons.

The pylons may become the subject of a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) review, requested 18 months ago, but while they are awaiting a decision United Utilities has applied to the Secretary of State for necessary way leave.

If it is granted they will be able to keep the 33 kilovolt cable, which supplies homes in the area, in place as an overhead line.

If not they will have to take the pylons and cable down.

The line runs from the former Huncoat power station to the former GEC works at Clayton-le-Moors, but the campaigners want the stretch from where the M65 crosses Whalley Road to the English Electricity substation nearby replacing with underground cable.

Barratt Homes and Persimmon Homes asked for the DTI review on the grounds that they were unsightly and may present a health risk.

Ernest Goodyear, the chartered surveyor acting for the companies, said: "Things are moving ahead at present.

"It puts United Utilities to the bother and expense of arranging a meeting and running the pre-meeting and the hearing itself.

"We have given them notice to remove the overhead line."

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "It is our submission that these cables are essential -- they supply around 12,000 homes in Clayton-le-Moors."

Both sides will outline their case at a meeting to be held next month, with the hearing taking place in April.

Mark Cook, deputy managing director for Persimmon Homes Lancashire, said: "Like all parties in the request to have the pylons in Clayton-le-Moors removed we are hopeful that the decision taken by the DTI will go in our favour. We eagerly await the result of the forthcoming meeting."

Councillor Tim O'Kane, ward councillor and portfolio holder for environmental health, said: "I welcome any initiative that gets rid of these unsightly pylons.

"It's nice to see some people are making the effort to actually do something to improve the quality of life for people in Clayton-le-Moors."