A BID to extend the distribution of anti-radiation iodine tablets to a 20km radius of Hunterston has been abandoned.

A proposal had been laid down to council chiefs to widen the emergency planning zone around the nuclear power station to including neighbouring towns and the Isle of Cumbrae.

Council democracy chief Andrew Fraser warned a meeting on the topic that a mass iodine distribution 'could do more harm than good' as it could disrupt NHS Ayrshire and Arran health board as it works to speed up the coronavirus vaccine roll-out.

Independent Cllr Ian Murdoch had called for rules around the ageing station to mirror those in France, where 20km boundaries are standard, and for people to have the emergency pills within their homes.

The chair of the Hunterston Site Stakeholders Group, Rita Holmes, had also written to the council asking that the zone be increased to include Fairlie and Millport.

SNP Cllr Hill also expressed concerns.

He said: "If there was to be any escape of radiation at Hunterston the roads would no doubt be jam packed with people trying to flee the area.

"How would we get iodine to the people of Fairlie for example in any such event? I am not clear where it is stored and how it would be delivered."

National stockpiles are available within five hours notice but it is down to local authorities how they are then distributed.

Mr Fraser said there are local supplies at various undisclosed places in the local area - including in Millport.

Cllr Ian Murdoch said: ""When you consider Covid-19 has stopped us in our tracks, and how snowfall can bring parts of this region to a halt, I am very concerned, It is alright having an emergency plan but it is about implementing it."

The council's legal chiefs explained that the zone boundary must be decided ‘on the basis of the operators’ recommendations'.

Historically the boundary was 2.4km from Hunterston A, and 1km from Hunterston B.

Councillor Murdoch, backed by Cllr Hill, looked to move that the council agree to increase the distribution zone around Hunterston to 20km.

He told the council meeting that the decision was arguably the most important one that North Ayrshire Council could take given the gravity of the situation.

Head of Democratic Services Mr Fraser advised that the move was likely to give rise to a contravention by the council of an enactment or rule of law - and said it should not be accepted.

Councillor Murdoch, with the agreement of his seconder, agreed to withdraw the proposal.

The original council proposal of 2.4 km around Hunterston was accepted. Officers however have been asked gather and release public advice and information about protective measures for those who live outside the agreed radius, 'so that people have confidence that appropriate measures are in place.'