RESIDENTS are being given a further opportunity to comment on the governments energy plans which could result in a replacement nuclear power station in Hartlepool.

About a year ago the Department for Energy And Climate Change (DECC) carried out extensive consultation which resulted in overwhelming support in Hartlepool for a new nuclear power station in the future.

Around 3,000 responses were received nationally and after considering the feedback, the new Coalition Government has made changes to the draft National Energy Policy Statement (NPS) and is now re-consulting on this and other revised documents.

Although there were originally ten sites earmarked for a new nuclear power station, this has since been reduced to eight, but Hartlepool is still included.

The consultation runs until January 24 and copies of the documents can be viewed at energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk Alternatively, copies are available at the Central Library, York Road or Bryan Hanson House, Lynn Street.

Responses should be made directly to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) via the Government website or by e-mailing nps.consultation@decc.gov.uk People can also write to: Energy NPS Consultation, Department of Energy and Climate Change, 3rd Floor A, 3 Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2AW.