Group calls for nuclear plant closure

The BNFL nuclear plant on Anglesey

A public meeting is to be held on Anglesey to discuss the future of the island's nuclear power station.

Wylfa has been out of action since April, when tiny flaws were detected in the welds of both reactors.

The Nuclear Installations Inspectorate is currently considering proposals to reinforce them.

The pressure group, PAWB (People Against Wylfa B), which has organised the meeting in Llangefni is calling for the immediate decommissioning of the plant.

Out of action

Wylfa has produced no electricity since April, when a routine inspection found tiny cracks had appeared on welds holding large steam pipes in place near the reactors.

The company has made it clear that the repair work would keep the station out of action until Christmas.

Wylfa is losing £400,000 in revenue for every day it is out of action.

The Nuclear Installations Inspectorate told BBC Wales that Wylfa will remain out of service until its owners can satisfy the inspectors that it is safe to re-open.

Wylfa's owner, BNFL Magnox, has issued a statement condemning the group's actions. It says PAWB has failed to understand the importance of Wylfa to the Island's economy.

The company insists it is committed to ensuring that Wylfa returns to operation, but was not yet in a position to assess how long work on the welds will take or how much it will cost.