At December's Full Council meeting the Liberal Democrats at Essex County Council demanded that the Government widens the public consultation across Essex on the proposed replacement Nuclear Power Station at Bradwell.

The Lib Dems Economic Development and Environment spokesman, Cllr David Kendall, put forward a motion asking for Members across the Chamber to back the call so that all Essex residents had an opportunity to make their voices heard on this very important issue.

During the debate Cllr Kendall raised concerns about the following points:

1. The current Government consultation is very limited, with only three exhibitions and two public meetings at locations near the site; there is nothing planned for the rest of Essex.

2. Residents’ concerns about a possible terrorist attack on the nuclear facility need to be addressed.

3. People also want answers and assurances about the transfer of nuclear waste across Essex by road and rail.

Cllr Kendall called on the Government to widen the consultation to include exhibitions and public meetings at key towns across the county, along with an advertising campaign promoting the consultation website.

Speaking about the issue he said “There needs to be much greater public awareness of what is happening in the county on nuclear power and our residents’ voices need to be heard on this very important issue. Sadly the Conservatives running Essex County Council failed to support my motion and chose instead to nail their colours to the Government’s nuclear power mast. I believe they have missed a great opportunity to widen the democratic process.“