MP seeks nuclear assurances

The Chapelcross plant is operated by BNFL

Bosses at Chapelcross nuclear power station are being urged to explain what caused an accident at the plant earlier this month.

Dumfries Labour MP Russell Brown is due to meet senior staff following the incident which resulted in radioactive fuel rods falling to the floor.

An investigation is ongoing at the complex, near Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, but on Friday Mr Brown will be seeking his own answers.

A basket containing the fuel rods fell 5ft, but plant operators British Nuclear Fuels Limited said the incident was not dangerous.

Local MP Russell Brown is due to meet bosses

A spokesman said no radiation had escaped and that there had been no danger to the public or workers.

The accident happened during a routine refuelling of reactor three, one of four reactors at the facility.

Members of the Chapelcross incident team were called to deal with the situation as carbon dioxide was sprayed over the fallen basket to ensure it did not catch fire.

Watchdog, the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate has launched an inquiry alongside that being carried out by BNFL.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said it was aware of the incident and was investigating the matter.

The 40-year-old Chapelcross power station has been operating with general support from the local community.

But Mr Brown said there is a need for the facts surrounding the incident to be aired, and to let the public know how any unusual incidents are dealt with to maintain confidence.

He wants the results of the investigation revealed as quickly as possible.