Last updated at 16:19, Tuesday, 16 February 2010

Plans to build two nuclear power stations on land away from Sellafield could plunge Cumbria into a “permanent nuclear winter”, a leading environmental consultant has warned.

Braystones, near Egremont, and Kirksanton, near Millom, have been earmarked as potential sites for a new reactor.

Land north of the existing Sellafield complex has also been shortlisted.

While the Sellafield plans have been broadly supported across the county, the other two locations have been vehemently opposed.

Doug Cross, a scientist and environmental consultant, told a meeting of tourism and business leaders opposed to the plans last week, that if the Braystones and Kirksanton plans went ahead it would constitute a “nightmare” for Cumbria’s environment and its economy.

He said he already knew of holiday park owners who were losing business over customer fears that their holiday homes would be in the shadow of nuclear reactors.

Cumbria Tourist Board, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Duddon Estuary Partnership were among those represented at the meeting held at Skelwith Fold Card caravan park.

The park’s owner, Henry Wild, is a director of the Cumbria branch of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association which arranged the event in order to discuss members’ concerns.

The public has until this Sunday to submit formal responses to the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as part of a consultation on its plans for a possible 10 new nuclear reactors across the country.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed has previously said he does not expect the Braystones and Kirksanton plans to go ahead as local opinion is weighted heavily against them.

He has called for the focus to be concentrated on the plan to build a new reactor at Sellafield.

“I don’t believe either Braystones or Kirksanton will be developed; time, economics and local public opinion are against it, both sites appear to be red herrings,” Mr Reed said.

First published at 11:27, Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk