Virtual Lancaster

Heysham Anti-Nuclear Alliance (HANA) is hosting a public meeting about plans for the construction of a new nuclear power station at Heysham. The meeting will take place at the Gregson Community Centre at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 28th April.

The focus of the meeting will be ‘Heysham 3 and the local economy.’ Speakers include Dr Stuart Parkinson, Executive Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility, Dr Noel Cass of Lancaster University Environment Centre, Professor John Whitelegg of the Green Party and Managing Director of Eco-Logica Ltd and Maurice Pennance from the Heysham Anti-Nuclear Alliance.

In November 2009, the government designated 10 sites for proposed new nuclear power stations around the UK coastline. The 115 acre site proposed at Heysham includes Heysham Golf Course, Heysham Nature Reserve, and Ocean Edge Leisure Park.

“We believe that, in the transition to a low carbon economy, the future of electricity supply in the UK lies in a balanced mix of renewable technologies and conventional power generation technologies fitted with carbon capture and storage,” argue HANA. “We believe that a combination of increasing energy efficiency measures and the development of a strong, innovative, renewable power generation industry can create more jobs, lower our carbon emissions, ensure security of supply and help protect and develop our beautiful environment for the tourism and leisure industries.

“Greater local economic benefits will be gained from these alternatives and increasing energy efficiency measures than could be provided by the nuclear industry.”

HANA was formed in response to the limited and poorly publicised Energy Policy consultation conducted by the Government in late 2009. It is a working group for organizations and individuals opposed to the construction of new nuclear power reactors in the UK and aims to raise public awareness of the issues involved and to promote the viable alternatives that exist to the use of dangerous technologies involving radioactive materials that threaten both our environment and the health and well being of local people.

In addition to this public meeting, HANA is joining with the Lancaster and District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (LCND) to commemorate the anniversary of the devastating Chernobyl nuclear reactor meltdown in the Ukraine in April 1986. At a joint stall in Lancaster Market Square between 12 noon and 3pm on 28th April, they will honour the courage and bravery of the workers who gave their lives to contain the disaster and remember the 336,000 evacuees who are still suffering major health consequences to this day.

Both HANA and CND members will be on hand to provide leaflets and information and to answer questions from the public.

• More info at: www.lancaster-district-cnd.org/HANA.html

• Email: hanamembershipATgmail.com