Only six weeks ago the government called Dounreay the "safest place in the world". Now it's decided to close it.

But although many will cheer at the news of the nuclear power plant's demise, others have serious concerns.

So is the government really right to shut it? Or is it just bowing to public and political pressure?

Opposition parties say they welcome the news. Anti-nuclear campaigners are delighted - Friends of the Earth have claimed the plant "leaks like a sieve".

And many other people are glad that "quite astonishing and potentially dangerous" incidents at the plant could finally come to an end.

But though Dounreay may be winding down, the need to treat dangerous nuclear waste is not. Some say therefore that it is better to have such plants than increased danger from contamination.

The wind-down could cost billions. It could take a lifetime too - although anti-nuclear campaigners say speed is vital in the disposal of contaminated waste.

And for the 1300 strong workforce Dounreay provides employment and security - a valuable asset where tourism and farming is the only other work.

What do you think?

Is the government right to shut Dounreay?

With or without these plants, the public loses out...
Simon Carmichael, UK

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