Union makes nuclear site plea

The union wants the plant replaced

A nuclear power plant in south-west Scotland which is to close in 2005 should be replaced with another power station or nuclear facility, a union has insisted.

But British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) management responded by saying there were "no current plans" to build such a facility in the future.

The Chapelcross power station near Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, which employs 450 staff, is to close three years earlier than originally planned.

The Transport and General Workers' union (T&G) said the skilled workforce and local community believed it was "an issue of national importance".

We have a licensed site and we have the support of an experienced and knowledgeable community

Livie Reid
T&G union

Livie Reid, T&G national organiser, said: "The T&G is calling on British and Scottish government ministers to bring forward proposals for a new generation nuclear plant at Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway.

"We have a licensed site and we have the support of an experienced and knowledgeable community.

"Importantly too, we have a workforce with top rank processing, electrical and mechanical skills.

"Now is the time to proceed with the debate for Chapelcross Mark 2. Power stations are not built overnight and this is an issue of national importance."

'Sensible debate'

The issues of global warming had to be tackled head-on and the union believed it was "time for action", Mr Reid said.

However, BNFL spokesman Tim Jones told BBC News Online that there were no current plans to replace Chapelcross with a similar facility.

BNFL had, however, welcomed the decision by British Energy to assess the feasibility of a new pressurised water reactor design called the Westinghouse AP1000.

The plant will close in 2005

The reactor is being evaluated as a possible replacement for BE's nuclear power stations when they reach the end of their operating lives.

BNFL carried out an economic review following a collapse in electricity prices and decided to bring forward the shutdown of the 41-year-old plant.

Half of the Chapelcross workforce will be kept on for defuelling and decommissioning after production ceases in March 2005, giving employment until the end of the decade.

Energy Minister Brian Wilson said last week that he hoped there would be "a sensible debate" about the future power needs.

Chapelcross contributes £15m to £20m to the Dumfries and Galloway economy annually.

Last week Greenpeace said the plant should be replaced by an offshore windfarm.