A POWER company has defended safety devices fitted to electricity poles against claims that they spoil the look of a village.

Residents of Aldbrough St John, near Richmond, say the conservation area is marred by bright yellow sleeves on the stay wires of the structures.

But Northern Electric says the sheaths are part of a £2.5m safety programme to meet government regulations.

Villager Dr Kevin Connolly said the benefits of the sleeves did not justify their cost, both financially and environmentally.

"Even if some action were considered necessary, a proper cost benefit analysis might have concluded that the installation of a cheaper, unobtrusive collar would still have substantially reduced both the hazard, which is direct injury from an exposed steel wire, and the risk by improving visibility in all but the poorest of light, at minimal cost to the environment," said Dr Connolly.

"As a physician I am concerned about health and safety, but I am also concerned about our environment and its despoliation by unsightly notices and high visibility devices."

A Northern Electric spokeswoman said planning permission was not required for the sleeves, which safeguarded the public and prevented interference with electrical equipment.

New legislation meant power distributors must improve the safety of equipment in public areas.

"This includes the fitting of danger plates, anti-climbing guards, cable guards and stay wire highlighters to our overhead network," she said.

The company said it would contact Aldbrough St John Parish Council to discuss the reasons for the work.