Published: Wednesday, 20th February, 2008 11:30
Power to the People - Wind of Nuclear? You decide!
By Calum Corral
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The future of our energy needs and whether we need nuclear power has become a hot political issue in the constituency and nationwide after the SNP Government carried forward their manifesto commitment for no new nuclear build in Scotland.
Meanwhile, the Westminster government in London is pushing ahead with new nuclear stations in England to meet our energy needs while the Scottish Government in looking towards renewables such as tidal and wind power, including proposals for turbines in Kaim Hill in Fairlie which can clearly be seen from Largs, Millport and the surrounding area.
This week, the ‘News’ hits the streets to find out what local opinion is on whether to retain the nuclear option, should we look towards giant wind turbines to maintain our future energy needs, and whether safety and security is an issue in terms of pursuing a nuclear option. At a recent British Energy public meeting at Hunterston, UK Strategy manager Paul Spence said it made sense for new nuclear build to be built at current power station areas because the community were already used to having nuclear facilities on their doorstep and the workforce was already in place.
Kirsty Moore of Brisbane Glen said: “We want nuclear, The cost of a wind farm is so great whereas nuclear power supports the local economy so people are employed in the local area through it. Wind farms destroy the local landscape and are decommissioned after only 25 years. We even considered a wind turbine for our own house and it was terribly expensive.”
Rosaleen Armstrong said: “I don’t want nuclear power. I suppose you are more vulnerable when you have a nuclear power station on your doorstep. There is a security issue. You never know what is going to happen.”
Millport man Marino Giorghetti said: “I prefer wind farms, nuclear is something that is in the past. All these old elements like gas and coal are going but you are always going to have the elements. I would be happier looking at a wind farm than a nuclear power station with smoke coming out the chimney. Wind farms are eco-friendly and they are safer too.”
Pensioner John Smith of Dalry said: “Hunterston has been something that has brought a lot of employment to the local area but we are on the way out and you have to wonder what you are leaving for the next generation. There is going to have to be storage. Future generations have got to live with it. I would go for wind turbines. There is also the question of what you do with it”
Largs youth worker Sam Cheeseman from Gogo Street, Largs, said: “Nuclear power is far safer than people actually think it is. We need it. It is important for our energy needs in future and I support it. France is always completely nuclear and they don’t have any problem. There is no way we can have 100& renewables it is not viable. You have problems where to put them as we are finding. Wind farms have detrimental environment to the advantage.”
There was a mix of views concerning the future of nuclear power locally with strong feelings from some that due to the economic advantages and the reliable nature of nuclear was a winning formula, while others believe that renewables are the future for Scotland with wind turbines a preferable option instead of having a nuclear power station on our doorstep.
We have a poll on our website this week where you can vote on your choice for our future energy needs. Go to largsandmillportnews.com for more details. The poll results will be revealed next week.
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