As the deadline for challenges to the new North Yorkshire power line advances, opposition groups are powering up their campaign to pull the plug on the controversial pylons.

North Yorkshire County Council has until next month to decide whether it will make a legal challenge to the Environment Secretary's approval of the 50-mile line of giant pylons which will stretch from Cleveland to Shipton-by-Beningbrough.

Tomorrow council chiefs will hold top-level talks with barristers to explore the possibility of mounting a legal appeal.

The discussions come on the eve of a high-profile public meeting organised by anti-pylon pressure group REVOLT, the spearheaded of the seven-year campaign against the line which is providing technical and financial support to the council.

While the final decision is not expected to be made tomorrow, a council spokesman said the issue was still a priority.

He said: "The matter is still under active consideration and a decision on whether or not to make an appeal will be made shortly, within the given period."

In the meantime REVOLT's May 8 meeting in Thirsk Town Hall is expected to be packed with the growing band of protesters from across the region.

Among those scheduled to attend the 7.30pm discussion are Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh, the Mayor of Thirsk, Jan Marshall and the Mayor of Northallerton, Steve Merritt.

Further messages of support have been received from Conservative leader William Hague and NUM president Arthur Scargill.According to Anne McIntosh the argument for opposition is still powerful.

She said: "These pylons are completely unnecessary and will destroy the countryside in North Yorkshire. There are a number of grounds on which these pylons can be opposed."

At the meeting REVOLT chairman Mike O'Carroll will outline other legal methods of preventing the power line's construction through non-co-operation policies, encouraging landowners and objectors to withhold access to National Grid contractors.

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