Note – Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson kindly supplied this information.
The two main contenders for the Folkestone and Hythe parliamentary seat restated near-polar opposite views on the future of the Marsh.
Conservative parliamentary candidate Damian Collins and Liberal Democrat candidate Lynne Beaumont both spoke at public meeting on the future of Dungeness C power station, held in Lydd on Feb 13.
Since the government’s decision last year to not include Dungeness as a possible site for a new nuclear power station, the Conservative position is to support a new power station and the Liberal Democrat position is to oppose it.
In a summary of comments kindly sent to FUTS by Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson, Cllr Beaumont raised concerns over the storage of waste for 160 years and the risk of flooding in the future.
Continuing calls for tourism to be the alternative to the power station, Cllr Beaumont is quoted as saying ‘the aim is to bring an extra half a million people to the Marsh in the next five to ten years,’ and that ‘economically green tourism is the way forward.’ She has called a meeting to discuss this in greater detail to be held at the RSPB reserve at 2pm March 1.
Cllr Beaumont raised concerns over waste storage onsite, claiming it would be in pools at the risk of flooding for 160 years. This issue has generated front page splashes and a TV news report for the Lib Dems.
Mr Collins steadfastly called for Dungeness C to be built, saying ‘I am an unashamed supporter of Dungeness C’ and promising that he would lobby and fight for Dungeness C ‘from Day One of a Conservative government’.
Mr Collins also said that Dungeness C could be connected to the national grid more quickly than at other sites, and placed the issue in the national context of power shortfalls and the need to produce large amounts of energy.
Highlighting the economic benefits the power station brings, Mr Collins also criticised Lib Dem plans, saying ‘you can’t have an economy based on seasonal tourism.’
The Liberal Democrat position to not support a new power station appears to put them at odds with public opinion. However, Cllr Beaumont is confident that attitudes are changing. Speaking to FUTS, she said although ‘some nasty comments have come my way,’ the vast majority of correspondence has been extremely supportive and has praised her for offering an alternative vision for the Marsh.
Many thanks to Cllr Tillson for this information.
Showing posts with label Dungeness power station. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dungeness power station. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
'Hard Hitting' Report as Shepway Looks to Reverse Dungeness Decision
WARNING - around 60% of this is a press release cut and paste - many thanks media team at the council.
Shepway District Council is sending a ‘hard hitting’ response to the government over the decision not to include Dungeness as a possible site for a new nuclear power station.
Citing incorrect employment statistics as ‘one of a number of errors that combined to ‘seriously understate’ the need for a new station.’
A press release on the council website states ‘This is a vitally important shortcoming, particularly in the case of Dungeness as the current decommissioning of A station and closure of B station from 2018 are key threats to the area's future prosperity and its already fragile economy.
‘The report also argues that the government has ignored the local community support for Dungeness and that it is ‘premature' to conclude the Natural England's objections over the loss of vegetated shingle habitat could not be addressed.
‘By the government's own definition, there is an Imperative Reason of Over-riding Public Interest to justify the inclusion of Dungeness, despite the ecological concerns.’
‘Leader of the Council, Robert Bliss, said the report presented very strong grounds for a review of the decision to exclude Dungeness.
"We have stressed the very heavy local dependence on the nuclear industry and that a new station at Dungeness is vital to ensure a sustainable future for local communities," said Cllr Bliss. "If Dungeness is not included as a site for a new station, this council calls on the government to explain what intervention packages it will put in place to ensure that the loss of existing prosperity and the loss of future opportunity is mitigated against." [press release ends]
The report comes from the council rather than a political party. However, there has been a clear split in approach to the issue along party lines. The Lib Dems have been vocal in opposition to a new power station at Dungeness whereas Conservatives and other councillors have always maintained the need for a new power station.
Lib Dem councillors have criticised the Conservative group for relying too heavily on the possibility of a new power station for the Marsh, rather than having a back up plan.
Shepway District Council is sending a ‘hard hitting’ response to the government over the decision not to include Dungeness as a possible site for a new nuclear power station.
Citing incorrect employment statistics as ‘one of a number of errors that combined to ‘seriously understate’ the need for a new station.’
A press release on the council website states ‘This is a vitally important shortcoming, particularly in the case of Dungeness as the current decommissioning of A station and closure of B station from 2018 are key threats to the area's future prosperity and its already fragile economy.
‘The report also argues that the government has ignored the local community support for Dungeness and that it is ‘premature' to conclude the Natural England's objections over the loss of vegetated shingle habitat could not be addressed.
‘By the government's own definition, there is an Imperative Reason of Over-riding Public Interest to justify the inclusion of Dungeness, despite the ecological concerns.’
‘Leader of the Council, Robert Bliss, said the report presented very strong grounds for a review of the decision to exclude Dungeness.
"We have stressed the very heavy local dependence on the nuclear industry and that a new station at Dungeness is vital to ensure a sustainable future for local communities," said Cllr Bliss. "If Dungeness is not included as a site for a new station, this council calls on the government to explain what intervention packages it will put in place to ensure that the loss of existing prosperity and the loss of future opportunity is mitigated against." [press release ends]
The report comes from the council rather than a political party. However, there has been a clear split in approach to the issue along party lines. The Lib Dems have been vocal in opposition to a new power station at Dungeness whereas Conservatives and other councillors have always maintained the need for a new power station.
Lib Dem councillors have criticised the Conservative group for relying too heavily on the possibility of a new power station for the Marsh, rather than having a back up plan.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Lib Dems Not Going Soft on Opposition to Dungeness C
Shepway Liberal Democrat Leader Lynne Beaumont has reacted to suggestions that her comments to the Romney Marsh Times may have signalled a softening of Lib Dem opposition to a new-build nuclear power station at Dungeness.
Having pushed for a tourist centered plan for the Marsh, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Beaumont stated these plans would not be an 'either/or situation ... but run alongside any decision that is made [about Dungeness C]'.
In comments to FUTS, PPC Beaumont confirms her opposition to a new power station,'There is nothing soft about the Lib Dems stand on Dungeness C. I am against the building of a new nuclear power station at Dungeness'.
Raising concerns over waste storage and the long term future of the site, PPC Beaumont continues, 'New build nuclear power stations, are a completely different animal to Dungeness A and B. All new build nuclear power stations, keep High level waste on site. High level waste is solely spent nuclear fuel rods. They will have to stay on site for around 160 years.
'It would be contained in cooling ponds inside the reactor building immediately adjacent to the reactor itself. After several years, as the internal cooling ponds fill up it will be moved just outside of the main building into a purpose built HLW store. What this means, is that high level waste will be kept, and stored on site, with no possibility of being able to move it in an emergency.
'Now ask yourself the question. Would you allow this to be built in one of the highest flood risk areas in the country? My answer: no. Where will sea levels be in 200 years? Nobody knows the answer to that question, and this is a risk far far too great to take.'
The Liberal Democrat opposition to a new-build nuclear power station has generated much debate and PPC Beaumont has appeared on front pages and local TV news bulletins. Some commentators have supported opposition, but others have described a new power station as necessary to keep jobs in the local area.
One Conservative Councillor has suggested that the Liberal Democrats are scaremongering over waste storage, looking for votes.
With Conservatives and Labour politicians calling for a new power station and putting together cases and presentations to take to Westminster, this will remain an important issue in the lead up to a national election and beyond.
Having pushed for a tourist centered plan for the Marsh, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Beaumont stated these plans would not be an 'either/or situation ... but run alongside any decision that is made [about Dungeness C]'.
In comments to FUTS, PPC Beaumont confirms her opposition to a new power station,'There is nothing soft about the Lib Dems stand on Dungeness C. I am against the building of a new nuclear power station at Dungeness'.
Raising concerns over waste storage and the long term future of the site, PPC Beaumont continues, 'New build nuclear power stations, are a completely different animal to Dungeness A and B. All new build nuclear power stations, keep High level waste on site. High level waste is solely spent nuclear fuel rods. They will have to stay on site for around 160 years.
'It would be contained in cooling ponds inside the reactor building immediately adjacent to the reactor itself. After several years, as the internal cooling ponds fill up it will be moved just outside of the main building into a purpose built HLW store. What this means, is that high level waste will be kept, and stored on site, with no possibility of being able to move it in an emergency.
'Now ask yourself the question. Would you allow this to be built in one of the highest flood risk areas in the country? My answer: no. Where will sea levels be in 200 years? Nobody knows the answer to that question, and this is a risk far far too great to take.'
The Liberal Democrat opposition to a new-build nuclear power station has generated much debate and PPC Beaumont has appeared on front pages and local TV news bulletins. Some commentators have supported opposition, but others have described a new power station as necessary to keep jobs in the local area.
One Conservative Councillor has suggested that the Liberal Democrats are scaremongering over waste storage, looking for votes.
With Conservatives and Labour politicians calling for a new power station and putting together cases and presentations to take to Westminster, this will remain an important issue in the lead up to a national election and beyond.
Worsley Watch - Labour PPC Tears into Lib Dem Marsh Plans
Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Donald Worsley has launched a sensational attack on Lib Dem plans for a tourism driven economy on the Marsh.
Comparing tourists to 'locusts', Mr Worsley forsees 'population decline, a low wage economy and our children emigrating in search of work'.
Never one to shy away from airing his views, Mr Worsley also criticises councillors in general for the 'appaling' public transport structure' on the Marsh.
Labour currently have no coucillors at local level, and it seems near impossible that Mr Worsley will be returned to parliament after the national election. Mr Worsley's forthright opinions and criticisms, sometimes levelled at his own party, have generated debate locally and on the web. Mr Worlsey's other posts are included in this blog and on the Romney Marsh Times.
Green behind the Ears
So Lynne Beaumont has decided to kick off her march on Westminster with the call for a conference of Town Hall and Parish Council delegations to attract eco-green tourists to Romney Marsh. How very vain. How intriguing.
One can only wonder in amazement what future attractions she has in store for us all. Glowing Geiger counter tours of the Dungeness Power Station once the eco warriors in her Party have closed it down for good. A 21st Century style Greenham Common encampment at Lydd Airport to stop future development and to ensure the only thing that flies across the Marsh is on the RSPB protected species list.
A new Model Railway along the Lib Dems "Nuclear Waste Line" from Appledore to Lydd on Sea to complement the appalling public transport structure Cllr Beaumont and her fellow Councillors have presided over these past decades.
And last but not least, never forgetting Shepway’s history Blue Plaques and Statutes to mark the spots where latter day Macbeths slaughtered their previous Lib Dem candidates and betrayed their party for the odious whiff of power.
Attracting tourists to the Marsh is a laudable ambition but seeking to preserve it in aspic without developing its industry, agriculture and infrastructure is not the way forward. We need look no further than the Scottish Highlands to see what can happen if an area is changed to rely exclusively on tourism for it’s prosperity. Population decline, a low wage economy and our children emigrating in search of work.
People on the Marsh from Brooklands to Dymchurch need jobs on their doorsteps not tourists passing through like a flock of locusts leaving nothing behind but a barren wilderness and more chaos on the A259.
But good luck to Cllr. Beaumont with her jolly on the Marsh. I hope it attracts thousands of Lib Dem delegates keen to clock up more expenses on the public purse. Perhaps however before the 1st of March someone had better warn them all it has long been their Party’s policy to shut down every public toilet in the area to discourage people coming here in the first place.
Donald Worsley
Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Folkestone & Hythe.
Comparing tourists to 'locusts', Mr Worsley forsees 'population decline, a low wage economy and our children emigrating in search of work'.
Never one to shy away from airing his views, Mr Worsley also criticises councillors in general for the 'appaling' public transport structure' on the Marsh.
Labour currently have no coucillors at local level, and it seems near impossible that Mr Worsley will be returned to parliament after the national election. Mr Worsley's forthright opinions and criticisms, sometimes levelled at his own party, have generated debate locally and on the web. Mr Worlsey's other posts are included in this blog and on the Romney Marsh Times.
Green behind the Ears
So Lynne Beaumont has decided to kick off her march on Westminster with the call for a conference of Town Hall and Parish Council delegations to attract eco-green tourists to Romney Marsh. How very vain. How intriguing.
One can only wonder in amazement what future attractions she has in store for us all. Glowing Geiger counter tours of the Dungeness Power Station once the eco warriors in her Party have closed it down for good. A 21st Century style Greenham Common encampment at Lydd Airport to stop future development and to ensure the only thing that flies across the Marsh is on the RSPB protected species list.
A new Model Railway along the Lib Dems "Nuclear Waste Line" from Appledore to Lydd on Sea to complement the appalling public transport structure Cllr Beaumont and her fellow Councillors have presided over these past decades.
And last but not least, never forgetting Shepway’s history Blue Plaques and Statutes to mark the spots where latter day Macbeths slaughtered their previous Lib Dem candidates and betrayed their party for the odious whiff of power.
Attracting tourists to the Marsh is a laudable ambition but seeking to preserve it in aspic without developing its industry, agriculture and infrastructure is not the way forward. We need look no further than the Scottish Highlands to see what can happen if an area is changed to rely exclusively on tourism for it’s prosperity. Population decline, a low wage economy and our children emigrating in search of work.
People on the Marsh from Brooklands to Dymchurch need jobs on their doorsteps not tourists passing through like a flock of locusts leaving nothing behind but a barren wilderness and more chaos on the A259.
But good luck to Cllr. Beaumont with her jolly on the Marsh. I hope it attracts thousands of Lib Dem delegates keen to clock up more expenses on the public purse. Perhaps however before the 1st of March someone had better warn them all it has long been their Party’s policy to shut down every public toilet in the area to discourage people coming here in the first place.
Donald Worsley
Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Folkestone & Hythe.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Conservative Chairman Reiterates Support for Dungeness C
Conservative Chariman and Shepway District Councillor Russell Tillson has reiterated Shepway Conservatives’ commitment to a new Dungeness C power station following a recent announcement by Shepway Liberal Democrat Leader Lynne Beaumont to hold an ‘Eco-Tourism summit’ to discuss alternative plans for Romney Marsh.
In an email to FUTS, Cllr Tillson says ‘There is little that Cllr Mrs Beaumont has said with which I disagree – except, of course, for her attempt to write Dungeness C out of the script. The importance of Dungeness cannot be understated.’
Revealing the council has commissioned a specialist report into the matter and is ‘putting enormous pressure on the government to alter its decision’, Cllr Tillson describes the power station as ‘vital’ to the local economy, stating the existing A and B stations employ over 1000 people, inject ‘over £30 million’ into the local economy, and that '9.6% of men on the Marsh work in electricity, gas and water supply, the overwhelming majority of whom work in electricity generation'.
‘This is employment we cannot do without, and Dungeness C must go ahead, since it will create employment for at least 400 people directly and probably another 100 jobs indirectly in shops, hotels and suppliers of other goods and services.
‘I don’t see tourism as an alternative to the power station, but rather as a complement. Nobody who lives on the Marsh is keener than I am to support the development of tourism. Indeed I look forward to the day when our Marsh coastline is full of hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, pubs and shops.
‘The Environment Agency, however, might have other ideas about tourist development since much of the Marsh area lies in a high risk Category 3A flood risk area.’
Noting that tourist season lasts for ‘six months at best’ and would only provide ‘low-paid’ employment, Cllr Tillson has offers to meet Cllr Beaumont to discuss the issue further.
‘Cllr Mrs Beaumont wants me to attend a meeting to debate all this. And she likes cycling. So I’ll do better than that. I invite Cllr Mrs Beaumont to join me on a day’s bike ride which will enable us to discuss her Business Plan at length, and will have the added benefit of introducing a lady from Folkestone to the various attractions across the Marsh, many of which might very well be quite new to her.’
The government’s decision to not consider Dungeness as a site for a new-build power station has provoked much comment and debate. The Liberal Democrats have been pushing for an alternative vision for the Marsh and have recently raised concerns over the future of waste storage at the site. The Conservative group is strongly in favour of a new nuclear power station.
Recently there appears to have been some softening of positions on both sides. In a similar fashion to Cllr Tillson’s comments, Cllr Beaumont recently said to Romney Marsh Times that tourism plans would ‘complement' a power station and that it is not an 'either/or decision.'
Whether Cllr Tillson and Beaumont will enjoy a bike ride together remains to be seen.
In an email to FUTS, Cllr Tillson says ‘There is little that Cllr Mrs Beaumont has said with which I disagree – except, of course, for her attempt to write Dungeness C out of the script. The importance of Dungeness cannot be understated.’
Revealing the council has commissioned a specialist report into the matter and is ‘putting enormous pressure on the government to alter its decision’, Cllr Tillson describes the power station as ‘vital’ to the local economy, stating the existing A and B stations employ over 1000 people, inject ‘over £30 million’ into the local economy, and that '9.6% of men on the Marsh work in electricity, gas and water supply, the overwhelming majority of whom work in electricity generation'.
‘This is employment we cannot do without, and Dungeness C must go ahead, since it will create employment for at least 400 people directly and probably another 100 jobs indirectly in shops, hotels and suppliers of other goods and services.
‘I don’t see tourism as an alternative to the power station, but rather as a complement. Nobody who lives on the Marsh is keener than I am to support the development of tourism. Indeed I look forward to the day when our Marsh coastline is full of hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, pubs and shops.
‘The Environment Agency, however, might have other ideas about tourist development since much of the Marsh area lies in a high risk Category 3A flood risk area.’
Noting that tourist season lasts for ‘six months at best’ and would only provide ‘low-paid’ employment, Cllr Tillson has offers to meet Cllr Beaumont to discuss the issue further.
‘Cllr Mrs Beaumont wants me to attend a meeting to debate all this. And she likes cycling. So I’ll do better than that. I invite Cllr Mrs Beaumont to join me on a day’s bike ride which will enable us to discuss her Business Plan at length, and will have the added benefit of introducing a lady from Folkestone to the various attractions across the Marsh, many of which might very well be quite new to her.’
The government’s decision to not consider Dungeness as a site for a new-build power station has provoked much comment and debate. The Liberal Democrats have been pushing for an alternative vision for the Marsh and have recently raised concerns over the future of waste storage at the site. The Conservative group is strongly in favour of a new nuclear power station.
Recently there appears to have been some softening of positions on both sides. In a similar fashion to Cllr Tillson’s comments, Cllr Beaumont recently said to Romney Marsh Times that tourism plans would ‘complement' a power station and that it is not an 'either/or decision.'
Whether Cllr Tillson and Beaumont will enjoy a bike ride together remains to be seen.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Lib Dems Softening Approach to Dungeness C?
Interesting article on Romney Marsh Times about the Lib Dem plans for an 'Eco-Tourism summit' on the Marsh.
Shepway Lib Dem leader and Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont is quoted as saying 'This is not an either/or situation whether or not the Government decides Dungeness C should go ahead, but to run alongside any decision that is made.'
This could signal a softening of the Lib Dem line to on a new power station on the Marsh. Two weeks ago the Lib Dems generated a lot of publicity claiming that Marsh residents were not being told of the decision to store intermediate-level nuclear waste onsite.
Whilst individual councillors have often stated that they are not against nuclear power in principle, the Lib Dems have not given support for a new power station. The source of much debate locally, this could be a key issue for Marsh and Shepway voters when casting votes in the upcoming national election.
The Romney Marsh Times article also has space for comments, so get involved and have your say!
Shepway Lib Dem leader and Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont is quoted as saying 'This is not an either/or situation whether or not the Government decides Dungeness C should go ahead, but to run alongside any decision that is made.'
This could signal a softening of the Lib Dem line to on a new power station on the Marsh. Two weeks ago the Lib Dems generated a lot of publicity claiming that Marsh residents were not being told of the decision to store intermediate-level nuclear waste onsite.
Whilst individual councillors have often stated that they are not against nuclear power in principle, the Lib Dems have not given support for a new power station. The source of much debate locally, this could be a key issue for Marsh and Shepway voters when casting votes in the upcoming national election.
The Romney Marsh Times article also has space for comments, so get involved and have your say!
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Eco-Tourism Summit for the Marsh
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont has called for a meeting to bring together 'all those with an interest in developing environmentally sustainable tourism on Romney Marsh'.
Scheduled for Monday,1st March 2010 at 2 pm at the RSPB reserve at Dungeness, Kent, Ms Beaumont hopes that 'local businesses, the RSPB, Natural England, Town and Parish Councils, Kent and Shepway Councils, existing tourist attractions, accommodation providers and all those with an interest and ideas to develop the Marsh tourism economy will attend.'
The future of the Marsh has been the source of much debate. The Shepway Lib Dems put forward a tourism' led vision for the Marsh following the government decision not to consider Dungeness as a site for a new-build power station. Conservatives dismissed this as 'cloud cuckoo-land' thinking.
The announcement says 'it's no use this being the idea of one group, one council, one business. It will only work with the buy-in and engagement of people and organisations across the area,' appearing to offer an olive branch to opponents. Conservative Parliamentary candidate Damian Collins has said to FUTS that he believes there is great potential for this approach, but 'you would have to work extremely hard to match the power station' in terms of economic impact.
It appears support for a new power station is stronger than support for tourism-centred plans. When asked about local support for a tourist-centred approach to the Marsh before this announcement, Ms Beaumont seemed to acknowledge this, saying 'people will come round to this idea.'
Anyone who would like to get involved can get in touch with Ms Beaumont on 07885 940 945 or email lynne@shepwaylibdems.org.uk.
Scheduled for Monday,1st March 2010 at 2 pm at the RSPB reserve at Dungeness, Kent, Ms Beaumont hopes that 'local businesses, the RSPB, Natural England, Town and Parish Councils, Kent and Shepway Councils, existing tourist attractions, accommodation providers and all those with an interest and ideas to develop the Marsh tourism economy will attend.'
The future of the Marsh has been the source of much debate. The Shepway Lib Dems put forward a tourism' led vision for the Marsh following the government decision not to consider Dungeness as a site for a new-build power station. Conservatives dismissed this as 'cloud cuckoo-land' thinking.
The announcement says 'it's no use this being the idea of one group, one council, one business. It will only work with the buy-in and engagement of people and organisations across the area,' appearing to offer an olive branch to opponents. Conservative Parliamentary candidate Damian Collins has said to FUTS that he believes there is great potential for this approach, but 'you would have to work extremely hard to match the power station' in terms of economic impact.
It appears support for a new power station is stronger than support for tourism-centred plans. When asked about local support for a tourist-centred approach to the Marsh before this announcement, Ms Beaumont seemed to acknowledge this, saying 'people will come round to this idea.'
Anyone who would like to get involved can get in touch with Ms Beaumont on 07885 940 945 or email lynne@shepwaylibdems.org.uk.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Worries Over Storage of Waste at Dungeness
A statement posted on the Shepway Lib Dem webpage on Tuesday 5 says ‘The reactor itself is classed as ILW and will be the last bit to be removed, with no time scale yet agreed for that phase of the work. Over 40 years after the building of Dungeness A, the government still does not know what to do with the waste.’
Cllr Beaumont says “Dungeness will become a nuclear dumping ground. We have always known that low level waste was going to be stored at Dungeness after decommissioning, but ILW is completely different.
“How many local people are aware of this? How do they feel about what’s happening on their doorstep, without being told? How many people will feel safe in their beds when they know this waste is being stored just down the road?"
Conservative Councillor for Romney Marsh William Richardson and Magnox South, responsible for decommissioning Dungeness A, have hit back, claiming the public were aware that ILW would be stored onsite.
In an email to From Under The Stone, Cllr Richardson wrote ‘The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority [NDA] have held public consultations in Lydd, New Romney and surrounding parish councils as well as at Shepway District Council explaining the decommissioning process and I have attended all these meetings. There was no concern from the public on the storing of ILW'.
Cllr Richardson also suggested the desire to gain votes was the reason for the statement.
‘May I suggest that the Liberals are not qualified to comment on the nuclear industry, they are scare-mongering and looking for votes preceding a looming general election!!’
In a statement to From Under The Stone, Magnox South said ‘The public were fully consulted prior to the site obtaining consent to decommission in 2006. In addition the Dungeness site stakeholder group is regularly updated on and consulted about the work on site.’
Seeking to allay fears that Dungeness would take in waste from other sites, the statement ended, ‘The bottom line is: ILW waste has always been stored on site, this is approved policy and we don't take in waste from other sites.’
Documents freely available on the NDA website dating from 2006 suggest ILW storage onsite has always been the case. Cllr Beaumont has not commented further.
The November 2009 decision by the government not to consider Dungeness as a possible site for a new build nuclear power station generated much comment locally. Generally regarded as a blow to the Marsh economy, conservative and Labour politicians were quick to condemn the decision.
The Liberal Democrat Group, which has consistently been against nuclear power, has offered alternative suggestions seeking to make the most of unique tourism opportunities available on the Marsh, which has been criticised by conservative councillors as 'cloud cuckoo land' thinking.
Eds note 08 January - information concerning other Magnox sites removed to keep length down.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Prater defends Liberal Democrat Dungeness Vision
Conservative councillors and other observers have attacked Cllr Prater’s vision of the future of Romney Marsh without the power station
In response to questions from FromUnderTheStone Conservative Councillor (and Kent County Councillor for Romney Marsh) William Richardson wrote ‘The community at Dungeness does not accept the government’s decision as quickly as Cllr Prater has done,
‘We are always looking at measures to regenerate the Romney Marsh even after the final decision on Dungeness has been made, any alternative will be second best to employing 600 people, 200 contractors and twenty apprentices.’
In a letter on the Conservative website Cllr Russell Tillson, echoing his comments during a debate in the Council meeting of November 25, (http://www.shepwayconservatives.org.uk/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=448) terms the vision ‘cloud cuckoo land.’
‘It is clear that the Liberal Democrats are living in a fantasy world of windmills, cycle paths, B and Bs on stilts and loss-making water lifts. And a low paid fantasy world at that.’
Malcolm Dyer of the former Romney Marsh Regeneration Partnership, in comments made to FromUnderTheStone, said the Liberal Democrat’s position is ‘as shiftable as the pebbles on Greatstone Beach.
‘I will be surprised if they do not completely revise their national position and Mr. Prater will instantly gain a nuclear glow to his cheeks!’
In response to questions from FromUnderTheStone, Cllr Prater hit back at these accusations, saying the comments did not fully understand the Liberal Democrat suggestions for the Marsh.
Repeating his vision of tourism playing a major role in the future Marsh economy, Cllr Prater stated ‘I'm afraid neither Cllr Richardson or Malcolm Dyer seem yet to understand what we're suggesting for the Marsh economy.
‘It’s not a question of tourism or nuclear power station. If we can have both - fine: I'm not personally fundamentally anti-new Nuclear build. But it seems less and less likely that we'll get new Nuclear build. We're looking at other options. What else would a rational person do?
‘"Cloud-cuckoo land" is waiting for a one-off solution that may or (increasingly likely) may not happen.’
The decision by the government to not consider Dungeness as possible site for a new nuclear power station has been a hot topic for debate. Polls conducted by other websites and Romney Marsh FM appear to show that public opinion strongly favours a new nuclear power station on the site, although many of the links are through Conservative web pages. Commentators have termed the decision a ‘hammer blow’ to the Marsh economy.
Liberal Democrat policy of ‘no to nuclear’ appears to fly in the face of popular local opinion and as a result appears to be placing the Shepway Liberal Democrats in a difficult position.
Cllr Prater's full vision for the Marsh: http://www.shepwaylibdems.org.uk/articles/000124/dungeness_the_real_nuclear_option.html.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Council Debate Goes Nuclear About ‘Back of a Fag Packet’ Dungeness Motion
At one point Chairperson Councillor Susan Carey had to stand to force Councillor Lynne Beaumont (Lib Dem) to sit down after she had suggested Cllr Alan Clifton-Holt (Cons) ‘get his ears checked’ following a misunderstanding.
The motion, raised by the Conservative group, proposed that the council ‘greets with incredulity the decision by the Labour Government to exclude Dungeness from the short list of ten sites considered suitable for the construction of new nuclear power stations.’
Branding the Government ‘negligent,’ the motion highlighted the possible effect of job losses and the impact on Kent’s ability to fulfil demand for electricity and called for lobbying and publicity of the Council’s objection to the decision.
Split into 5 parts, the motion called for
- A letter from the Chief Executive to the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change to express in the strongest possible terms the Council’s objection.
- The Chief Executive to demand a rationale for the decision in any reply to the letter, with a ‘detailed summary of the strategies and plans that the Government has in place to provide alternative employment.’
- To publicise the Council’s objections.
- All PPCs to ‘lobby the Government relentlessly.’
- Refer the issue to the Community Overview Committee ‘with a view to the committee being placed in a position to reinforce the power station’s arguments for the retention and expansion of Dungeness.
Cllr Valerie Loseby (Lib Dem) criticised the Conservative dominated council, saying ‘you shouldn’t rely on the Government to provide alternatives. That is the responsibility of the Council.’
Cllr Lynne Beamont (Lib Dem) was the most forthright in her criticism. Commenting that the motion was ‘badly worded’ and ‘crassly stupid,’ she attacked the Conservative administration for voting in the special reserve areas now hampering the application.
Speaking longer than her allotted 5 minutes, with some barracking in the chamber, Cllr Beaumont was asked at one point to address the council through the chair as her style and ‘jabbing fingers’ were contributing to a breakdown of order in the debate.
Cllr Neil Matthews (Lib Dem) also criticised the ‘flippant’ nature of the motion, saying it was strewn with inaccuracies. The proposed letter from the Chief Executive should go to two Secretaries of State, the council was already publicising its displeasure, that the motion was cheap political point scoring and that the motion was pre-empting the decision of the Community Overview Committee.
All Liberal Democrat speakers were concerned about waste disposal and health risks. Cllr Lynne Beaumont claimed that ‘high-level waste’ was held on the site, a view challenged by almost all other councillors.
In heated exchanges, Conservative councillors hit back at these claims.
Cllr Richard Pascoe (Cons), recalling his time as a fire fighter, rubbished security concerns saying ‘Transport [of waste] is one of the safest methods ever designed.’ Cllrs Malcom Dearden and David Monk (Cons) highlighted the need for employment on the Marsh, which has some of the worst school exam results in the county.
Disagreeing with Cllr Beaumont over the position of the site, Cllr William Richardson (Cons) claimed the site would be within the existing nuclear power station fence and that the ‘whole area is concrete anyway.’
Taking issue with Liberal Democrat Tim Prater’s vision for the Marsh, Cllr Russel Tilson (Cons) accused Cllr Prater of living in ‘cloud cuckoo land,’ and ‘a fantasy world of cyclepaths, B&Bs on stilts and water lifts.’ Cllr Tilson also noted Cllr Prater had written that ‘Dungeness has a long and proud association with the safe generation of nuclear power,’ which roused laughter around the chamber.
Cllr Paul Marsh (People First) suggested splitting the motion into its constituent parts for voting, which did not pass.
The motion passed with Conservatives voting in favour, with Cllr Brian Copping (People First). The majority of Liberal Democrats voted against, with Cllr Matthews and Cllr Marsh abstaining.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Prater Sets out Non-Nuclear Vision for Dungeness
In a post at http://www.prater.org.uk/articles/000013/dungeness_the_real_nuclear_option.html on November 24, Cllr Prater questions whether the news is a ‘hammer blow to the local economy … is the best we can do [with the unique environment at Dungeness] to say we must build a nuclear power station on it? Where is our sense of pride?’
Recommending the development of infrastructure to aid potential tourist attractions such as cycling, fishing, Cllr Prater sketches out a vision of a rejuvenated Marsh, with ‘families cycling around the area, with guides, eating in local restaurants serving local food, shopping in local shops proudly selling local produce, visiting a wide range of attractions run by and for local residents, and staying in accommodation built to make the most of the landscape, run and employing local people.’
Drawing parallels with the successful Eden Project in Cornwall, Cllr Prater calls for engagement with local businesses and organisations to ‘develop a plan of a massive increase in tourism to the area.’
The announcement is the first Liberal Democrat reaction to the news on November 9, that Dungeness will not be considered as a site for a new nuclear reactor. Both Conservative and Labour politicians were quick to express their dissatisfaction at the government’s decision. This issue may give the Shepway Liberal Democrats some headaches, as Liberal Democrat policy is ‘Yes to clean energy, no to nuclear.’ (www.libdems.org.uk/.../Policy%20Briefing%20-%20Energy%20and%20Climate%20Change%20Oct%2009.pdf)
Cllr Prater states he is a nuclear sceptic. Despite this he allows himself to go slightly off message, writing ‘after a deplorable lack of research and investment in renewable sources of power over decades…I can see a need for new nuclear build.’
The Shepway Liberal Democrats have to tread carefully. While there have been no wide ranging polls conducted, opinion across the district seems to strongly support a new power station at Dungeness.
http://www.thealldaybreakfast.com/polls/ - should be noted Folkestone and Hythe Conservative site directs traffic to this page.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
The Environmental Impact of No Nuclear Station at Dungeness
It is easy to say that building a nuclear power station would help stem this rise in sea levels but this is too simple. The CO2 chucked out by other countries means saying that a new nuclear station at Dungeness would help the cause of global warming is like saying an aspirin would help with the pain of a traumatic amputation.
Just getting statistics on carbon emissions and global warming that everyone agrees on is a challenge, let alone interpreting them. From Under the Stone firmly believes the idea that man-made global warming is reality, until a better argued opposition comes along. However, the threat of conspiracy and shadowy interests hinders understanding almost as much as the fact that most commentators (including this one) are most definitely not scientists.
The Guardian’s Data Blog had a good stab at giving the people the numbers and letting us do the crunching, although the prominent Shell advert raised eyebrows (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/datablog/2009/oct/22/carbon-emissions-data-country-world).
However, regardless of the global dilemmas, negative environmental effects of not building the power station may be felt long before the sea rises and we are all enjoying swimming off Rye.
With no power station, one of the legs of the opposition to the expansion of London Ashford Airport is kicked away (please see press releases at http://www.kentnet.org.uk/laag/press_releases.htm). With no nuclear reactors for errant 737s to plough into, the way is quite literally cleared for planes to start chucking CO2 all over the Marsh, whining above barbeques and hoovering up rare bird species. The need to secure jobs will now be more pressing, which may also sway decision makers over the airport expansion.
Thinking of the present rather than the future, the two firms involved in the A and B sites (Magnox energy and British Electricity, owned by EDF based just over the channel in France) both in some part fund the excellent Romney Marsh Countryside Project. Organiser of many wildlife spotting jaunts and countryside maintenance days, the RMCP is perhaps the most visible and constant, though certainly not only, beneficiary of funding from the companies running the A and B sites.
While this may well be greenwash, propaganda and mere peanuts to the companies concerned, one wonders what or who will step in to make up the shortfall in these community projects should these companies leave the area. One would hope local business, though with the power stations removed as a major employer, surely businesses will suffer.
As already stated, if we accept man-made global warming as real then action needs to be taken on a global scale and none of Dungeness A, B or proposed C will save the world. Perhaps the harsh reality is that the government is fairly certain that by the end of this century the Marsh will in fact be under several feet of water, at which point concerns about jobs and rare bird nesting habitats might well be the least of our worries.
Government report on Dungeness at https://www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/nuclear/hra/other/dungeness/
Government report on Dungeness at https://www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/nuclear/hra/other/dungeness/
Labour PPC Worsley Disagrees with Miliband Over Nuclear Decision
Largely ignored by most of the media, Folkestone and Hythe's Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Donald Worsley has given his reaction to the government announcement that the Dungeness site will not be considered for a new power station.In a press release sent to From Under the Stone today but dated November 9, Mr Worsley calls the decision a 'hammer blow' for the Marsh and states 'Ed Miliband’s decision to rule out a new Nuclear Power Plant for Dungeness is to be deeply regretted and one with which I fundamentally disagree.'
Claiming that the work could have provided up to 4,000 jobs for the area, Mr Worsley also criticises Kent County Council for not investing in infrastructure and Shepway District Council for opposing the expansion of Lydd Airport.
Noting that it is necessary to protect the 'wild beauty and serenity' of the Marsh, Mr Worsley highlights the economic effects of the decision.
'Its inevitable consequence will be a yet further decline in the area’s economic fortunes so much so that in years to come the only people who will be able afford to live across the Marsh will be the very rich , the retired or the long term unemployed on benefits.
'Protecting the environment is an admirable goal but not if it destroys communities in the process.'
The Lib Dems have yet to respond to the news.
Monday, 9 November 2009
No New Power Station For Dungeness
The future of nuclear power generation continuing from Dungeness looks bleak after Ed Milliband cited environmental concerns for not building a new power station on the site.
Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins supports the continuation of power generation at the site. In a statement on his website, Mr Collins questions the reasoning behind the decision and states 'We need to understand more about this decision and what hope there is for the future of Dungeness.' (http://www.damiancollins.com/record.jsp?type=news&ID=370)
The Liberal Democrats have noted the story, but have yet to provide opnions. However, previous announcements make clear that 'the Liberal Democrats are opposed to building new nuclear power stations in future' (http://shepwaylibdems.org.uk/news/000537/no_new_year_for_dungeness_a_41_and_out.html).
Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins supports the continuation of power generation at the site. In a statement on his website, Mr Collins questions the reasoning behind the decision and states 'We need to understand more about this decision and what hope there is for the future of Dungeness.' (http://www.damiancollins.com/record.jsp?type=news&ID=370)
The Liberal Democrats have noted the story, but have yet to provide opnions. However, previous announcements make clear that 'the Liberal Democrats are opposed to building new nuclear power stations in future' (http://shepwaylibdems.org.uk/news/000537/no_new_year_for_dungeness_a_41_and_out.html).
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