New nuclear plant plans unveiled

New facilities are planned for land next to Heysham power stations

Plans to create new nuclear power stations in north Lancashire are being put to residents.

Those living near Heysham power stations have been offered the chance to hear about plans to nominate land next to the site for new nuclear build.

A public meeting about the plans is to take place at the Platform in Morecambe on Tuesday at 1900 GMT.

Gwen Parry-Jones, station director of Heysham 1 power station said it was vital local people were involved.

"We are proud of our strong links into the community here at Heysham and I hope that people come to the meeting to hear about our site nomination plans and raise any issues they feel we need to consider," she said.

'Most urgent'

Earlier this year, the Government published details how the nuclear industry can nominate sites for potential new nuclear power stations.

EDF Energy, which now incorporates British Energy, intends to nominate land next to the existing Heysham power stations as part of that process.

Paul Winkle, station director of Heysham 2 power station added: "While the company's new build focus is in the south of England where the need for new generating capacity is most urgent, we believe the Heysham site is a good candidate for new nuclear."

Site nominations must be received by 31 March.

The list of nominated sites will published shortly after, followed by an initial month-long opportunity for the public to express their views on how the sites match up to the criteria.