BEST selling author Bill Bryson abandoned his famously droll prose when asked about the Vale of York power line. His anger was such that he chose more direct language.

National Grid's plan to construct a line of giant pylons across the North Yorkshire countryside is "outrageous", Mr Bryson said. They were "intrusive" and would ruin the British landscape.

Moreover, the fact that privatised electricity companies were not compelled to lay power cables underground is "absolutely disgraceful".

And so say all of us. Mr Bryson's trip to York was only brief. He lives thousands of miles away in the United States. But even from that distance he can see the damage that will be caused by these monstrous pylons.

The travel writer has a very special relationship with North Yorkshire, having lived in a dales village for the best part of a decade. He would, he said last night, move back here tomorrow if his family were not so settled in New Hampshire.

So he brings the unique perspective of both insider and outsider to the dispute. And his fury at such a futile and harmful project is only matched by his bafflement that the authorities have allowed it to go ahead.

Mr Bryson's words will give heart to the many people demonstrating against the power line. That such a well-known, much-loved figure has spoken out so strongly can only help the campaign.

His intervention comes as work to construct the power line becomes imminent. The National Farmers' Union believes work will start next month and is warning its members to be prepared. We are in for a long period of agitation.

The campaign against the pylons has united disparate groups. From the farmers to MPs, from the Women's Institute to the pressure group REVOLT, people who love our countryside are rising up against the pylons.

Protests will begin in earnest when the contractors move in. A small army of residents are ready to mobilise against the National Grid. Resistance is set to be widespread and, hopefully, peaceful.

Now an American author has become an unofficial patron of the campaign. Mr Bryson's popularity over here stems from his very British demeanour. His humour makes fun of our foibles, but it is based on a genuine affection for our country.

As his attack on the power line shows, he knows what is important to North Yorkshire and its people. It is a shame that we cannot say the same for our own Government.

see NEWS 'Author attacks pylons 'disgrace''

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.