How nuclear plans affect you

An exhibition has opened in Thornbury to show controversial plans for a new nuclear power station on the banks of the River Severn.

The event in the Turnberries community building is part of a three-day exercise organised by the Government to find out what people think about having a new generation atomic plant at Shepperdine, on land next to the existing Oldbury nuclear reactors.

The exhibition continues until Saturday afternoon, while a debate involving officials from the Department of Energy and Climate Change will be held at Thornbury Leisure Centre tomorrow morning. That meeting had originally also been scheduled for Turnberries, but so many people registered to attend that it had to be moved to the bigger venue.

Oldbury has been listed as one of 10 potential sites for new reactors by the Government in its draft Nuclear National Policy Statement, which was published in November. It said the UK was committed to lead by example and encourage more energy sources that didn't harm the planet and also boosted Britain's own energy security.

But many living near the locations have concerns over the safety of nuclear energy and the impact the developments would have, both when being built and when operating.

Although the current Oldbury station has been generating power for more than 40 years, a new plant would be much bigger.

Energy and climate change minister, Lord Hunt, said: "Hosting a nuclear power station would mean that Oldbury would continue to play a big part in helping the UK transform its energy sector, replacing old infrastructure with hi-tech, low-carbon energy sources. It's essential that local people get involved.

"Nuclear power provides reliable, cost-effective and low-carbon energy and will play a vital role, alongside renewable and clean coal in a secure energy mix for the UK."

But Alan Pinder, of South Gloucestershire Friends of the Earth, said there were many questions to be asked about new generation atomic power, including what would happen to the radioactive waste.

He said: "A lot of information has been provided at the exhibition so it is worth people going along."

The exhibition can be seen today until 7pm and tomorrow between 9am and 4pm. Tomorrow's public meeting is at 10am.

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