A CAMPAIGN group has hit out at claims a potential site for a new nuclear power station is “well connected.”

The current government nuclear policy statement identifies Bradwell as a site for nuclear energy until the end of 2025.

Plans for a Chinese-led nuclear power station in Bradwell, known as Bradwell B, is no longer progressing.

Campaigners Blackwater Against New Nuclear Power Group (BANNG) claim EDF, the French company which own Bradwell’s nuclear site, has “no idea what it is talking about”.

They claim there are no grid connections, no rail connection with the closest station being eight miles away in Southminster and no local skilled workforce.

BAANG’s chairman, Professor Andy Blowers said: “EDF cannot be allowed to get away with the false and misleading claims it is making in an obvious attempt to attract developers to its site on the Essex coast adjacent to Bradwell-on-Sea.

“This is a site already abandoned by EDF’s one-time partner, the Chinese developer CGN. It is a site that is wholly unsuitable for nuclear development.

“EDF have previously claimed that Bradwell and other sites it owns, offer land, grid and rail connections, a skilled workforce and support communities which makes them compelling locations for small and advanced modular reactors.”

Mr Blowers continued saying: “It’s obvious EDF has no idea what it is talking about with respect to new nuclear development at Bradwell.”

BAANG have also said: “The noise, disruption and blight imposed on a tranquil rural area over many years would be intolerable.”

A spokesman for EDF said: “EDF remain committed to supporting the development of nuclear in the UK.

“We are looking at the option for further lifetime extensions for our existing stations, building large-scale new nuclear stations at Hinkley and Sizewell and see great opportunity for a further large-scale station at Wylfa.

“Our sites at Heysham, Hartlepool and Bradwell offer land, grid and rail connections, a skilled workforce and supportive communities which make them compelling locations for small and advanced modular reactors.

“We will continue to work positively with the UK government to deliver a new nuclear future.”