View on the ground

Heysham

Heysham, near Lancaster, is one of the eleven sites that could potentially host a new nuclear station included on the Government’s list published on 15th April 2009.Heysham was also included on the final list of ten nominated sites which was issued on 9th November 2009 (It was proposed to drop Dungeness from the list). This was part of a consultation on Draft National Policy Statements (NPSs) on Energy Infrastructure. The draft Nuclear NPS included a site assessment for Heysham.

Heysham is the site of four Advanced Gas-cooled reactors owned by British Energy, which is now part of EDF Energy. British Energy held a public meeting on 10th March 2009 in Morecambe to discuss the prospects for a new nuclear station at Heysham. Lancaster City Green Party Councillor, Chris Coates  who attended the meeting described it as “a very slick PR exercise - presented as a public consultation. The panel of experts were unable to give assurances that they are taking issues such as sea-level rise seriously. A new reactor at Heysham would be a huge waste of money. Money that would be better spent on reducing electricty demand and energy efficiency measures.”

Renewables are the best hope for the local economy, Cllr John Whitelegg explained to a public meeting organized by the Heysham Anti-Nuclear Alliance (HANA). Dr Stuart Parkinson, Executive Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility, Dr Noel Cass of Lancaster University Environment Centre and Maurice Pennance from the Heysham Anti-Nuclear Alliance spoke and took questions and contributions from the audience about proposals for a third nuclear station at Heysham.

Local Group: Heysham Anti-Nuclear Alliance

Last Updated 3rd June 2010
 

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