A ROW has erupted over a controversial call to shut down Hunterston nuclear powers station with immediate effect.

The News reported last week that West Kilbride Tory councillor Todd Ferguson wanted the facility closed, saying the 'time was right' over lingering safety concerns.

SNP councillor Alan Hill this week accused the Conservatives of a 'monumental' u-turn on the matter and called for clarity on the change of heart.

Cllr Hill said: "Whilst I am delighted at this shift from the North Ayrshire Tories, I am totally gobsmacked. Tom Marshall has consistently refused to support our calls for the permanent closure of the reactors over the last months whilst the cracks have continued to grow.

"Councillor Marshall has stated over and over that he has no personal opinion on the safety reactors and is simply guided by the experts on all matters nuclear. I can't help but wonder what has brought about this sudden change of heart from his party? Could it possibly be because he believes that the reactors may be about to close anyway and now he wants to be seen by local people to be among those calling for this?

"I can't help but wonder if he has taken the time to discuss it with his Labour and Independent supporters on the council and the Hunterston Site Stakeholders Group, who have generally supported his laissez-faire attitude to safety issues surrounding the cracked reactors.

"It is not often that I get a copy of the wee paper and have to read an article several times because I cannot believe my eyes.

"This Tory turnaround simply beggars belief."

Independent Cllr Ian Murdoch told the News he was also astonished.

He said: "I have been raising concerns about the safety of Hunterston B over the last couple of years and have repeatedly said that Reactors 3 and 4 are 14 years beyond their lifespan."

Councillor Marshall and Councillor Ferguson have previously defended the operation of the site on every occasion.

Cllr Murdoch added: "I also wonder why Councillor Ferguson and the Conservative Group are now asking for the closure Hunterston B? Is it because they know something that no one else knows? Do they know that Reactors 3 and 4 will not start again?"

A spokeswoman for EDF said: “"We have put our case to the regulator for the return to service of Hunterston B following the most extensive inspection programme ever carried out in a power station of this type, with over £200million invested to demonstrate that, even under these extreme scenarios, the reactors would shut down safely.

"We have done this through comprehensive computer and physical modelling, developed with a range of highly qualified engineering and academic partners. Most of the 500 people who work at the site live in the area and their safety, and that of the wider community, has always been and will remain our top priority.”