Groups push for nuclear stations

A new station could be built on land adjacent to the Sellafield site

Regeneration groups in Cumbria have urged utility firms to build new nuclear power stations in the region.

West Lakes Renaissance and Cumbria Vision claim nuclear plants would bring jobs and boost the local economy.

Existing sites in Sellafield, Cumbria, and Hartlepool, on Teesside, which are coming to end of their operational life are seen as ideal locations for plants.

It comes as business secretary John Hutton said energy firms had shown big interest in building new stations.

In January, a campaign was launched in Cumbria to entice energy companies to the area after the government said a new generation of nuclear power stations would be built.

Rosie Mathisen, of West Lakes Renaissance, said: "West Cumbria's nuclear sites have massive potential for a new nuclear power station.

"The private sector is well aware of West Cumbria's status as a world leader in the nuclear industry.

"This early marketing of the sites will get across the message that there are many good reasons for new build here."