'Replacing nuclear power station will safeguard 700 jobs'

British Energy has confirmed its intentions to build a replacement reactor at its Hartlepool site.

The announcement follows the Government's support for a new generation of nuclear power plants to be built across the country.

Stuart Crooks, British Energy station director at Hartlepool, said the company welcomed the comments in parliament by Business Secretary John Hutton.

He said: "Hartlepool is a long-standing member of the local economy, today providing about 700 jobs, which in turn puts about £30m a year into the local economy in wages alone.

"All of British Energy's sites have been assessed for potential new build and Hartlepool is very much part of the company's new build strategy."

Mr Crooks said the company's four southern power stations - at Hinkley, Dungeness, Bradwell and Sizewell - were the sites likely to be replaced first.

But he added: "At Hartlepool, we have experienced staff and good relations with the local community.

"And although the safe, reliable running of our existing plant into the next decade is our key focus, we would hope that the site does see a replacement station built."

However, the possibility of a new nuclear power station at Hartlepool has been condemned by local environmental campaigners.

Iris Ryder is nuclear spokeswoman for the Green Party in the North-East and founder of the Nuclear Free Future in Hartlepool campaign group.

She said: "I have suggested we ask for a veto on new build nuclear plants in Hartlepool because we've already had more than our fair share of pollution.

"The Government should be putting the money into creating a new generation of energy sources, rather than this disastrous path that they're taking with nuclear power."

Hartlepool's nuclear plant is due to be decommissioned in 2014, but could have its life extended by ten years.

A new plant would safeguard workers' jobs for 60 years.

Up to 3,000 further jobs would be created during its construction.