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73% say new nuclear power station good for town
THE people of Hartlepool have given a resounding thumbs up to a new power station after 73 per cent said it would benefit the town.
And today, Mayor Stuart Drummond said it would be "tragic" if Hartlepool missed out on a new build which could bring thousands of jobs and see millions pumped into the local economy.
Mayor Drummond said: "The vast majority of the respondents are in favour of building a new power station.
"My thoughts have been well documented and I believe it would be a massive benefit."
He was speaking as Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet committee discussed the consultation response to the Government's draft Nuclear National Policy Statement.
Hartlepool is one of the 10 potential sites for a new nuclear power station.
The draft policy statement explains the assessment of each site, why nuclear power is needed and national policy on managing radioactive waste safely.
The council launched its own consultation.
Of the 1,335 people who responded, 61 per cent supported a new nuclear power station, with 19 per cent against and the remaining 20 per cent having no strong view.
Asked if they thought a power station would bring any benefit, 73 per cent of the 1,354 who answered said yes; 14 per cent said no; and the rest were in the "no strong opinion" or "don't know" categories.
If Hartlepool gets the green light, EDF Energy – which now incorporates British Energy – would build the new plant and it could be running by 2025.
The lifespan of the existing plant takes it to 2014, but EDF has the option of applying for an extension in three years.
A report said a new station would create between 1,500 and 3,000 construction jobs over five years, and about 450 highly skilled jobs once the plant was operational.
Mayor Drummond added: "We would be mad not to support this in town and we can't send a message strongly enough that Hartlepool should be a place with a power station."
The Government consultation closes on February 22. To view the consultation documents visit www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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