A GIANT electricity transformer was driven through Fenland yesterday as onshore construction work continued for the �275m Lincs Wind Farm.

The 165-tonne device, which reduces electrical voltage to a lower strength which can be used in homes, was transported to Walpole substation on a specially constructed 70m trailer. A second massive transformer will arrive on Sunday.

The delivery will follow the same route along the A17, the A1101 Wisbech Road, turning left onto the A47 before travelling along Lynn Road (B198) to Walton Highway.

It will turn left and travel along School Road to West Walton, onto Mill Road, and then up Walpole Bank before entering the Walpole substation site.

Motorists are being asked to take care when travelling in the area as the vehicle will travel at no more than 4mph with a police escort. Many residents have also been notified that some roads will need to be kept free of parked cars.

Paul Blunden, project manager for Centrica said: “The transformers have a key role to play in providing the local area with the zero-carbon electricity produced from the Lincs wind farm.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to motorists and local residents while the transformers are being transported. Moving equipment of this size is logistically complex and we have been working with the local authorities, our partners Siemens and transport specialists Abnormal Load Engineering, to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum during this time.”

The offshore wind farm - being built 8km off the coast of Skegness - will be able to supply electricity to around 200,000 customers.

The Lincs Wind Farm (formerly Centrica (Lincs) ltd) is a joint venture between Centrica, DONG Energy and Siemens Project Ventures.