British Energy, owner and operator of Sizewell B nuclear power station, received a good level of response from the community during the six initial public meetings on potential new nuclear build at Sizewell.

More than 250 people in total attended the six meetings over the last three weeks, which formed part of a public engagement programme ahead of any decisions on the company's new build plans.

Brian Dowds, Sizewell B Station Director, said: "British Energy has been pleased with the response we have had from the community. We received some very valuable comments and we want to thank people for their views which will be very beneficial to our planning.

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"We’ve tried to outline where we are in our planning process and what will happen going forward, as well as discuss the pros and cons the potential construction of a large but vital piece of infrastructure will have on the community."

Along side a peak potential employment of 5,000 workers during construction, the proposed twin units will employ between 600-900 full time staff during their 60 year operating life.

During the meetings British Energy, alongside environmental consultants Royal Haskoning, gave an outline of the impact assessments being carried out at Sizewell as part of British Energy's new build project.

Brian Dowds added: "Sizewell C will bring massive economic benefits to Sizewell and Suffolk but we also have to be sensitive to issues that may affect our neighbours and these meetings have helped us begin to understand those issues. From here we’ll be able to keep people updated as our proposals develop over the coming year."

The meetings were held at Westleton, Yoxford, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh, Leiston and Stratford St Andrews.

(CD/JM)