Council leader backs Angelsey nuclear station

The announcement by Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband on the government's plans to fast-track a new generation of nuclear power reactors has been welcomed by the Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council.

Following the announcement, Councillor Clive McGregor said: This is an important step for Anglesey today, and we are pleased that Wylfa has been named as one of the ten sites which the UK Government believes will be suitable for nuclear new build.

The announcement will give the potential developers JV - Horizon and RWE npower/ e-onn confidence to progress with their schedule for the new nuclear development at Wylfa.

He added: We should not underestimate the significance of the potential investment, which could be in the region of £8 billion. This is comparable to the investment in London in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. We must make the most of this opportunity to safeguard long term employment on the island.

A fourteen week consultation period now follows and the Council and other organisations and communities across the island will have the opportunity to respond and make their views known.

Economic Development portfolio holder at the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Bryan Owen said: It is important that people have their say during the consultation - whatever their stance on potential nuclear new build.

Public consultation events on the content of todays national policy statement will take place on Anglesey in January 2010 - giving people an opportunity to make their views known to the UK Government.

He said: It is important for the regional economy and our communities that Wylfa is part of the first wave of new nuclear developments if we are to capitalise fully on the availability of transferable skills in the area.