In Pictures: Nuclear power on your doorstep
-
A low shingle headland on the south-east coast of England, Dungeness is home to two nuclear power stations: Dungeness A, opened in 1965, and Dungeness B, an Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor. -
The area is also rich in wildlife, being one of the largest expanses of shingle in the world and home to more than 600 different types of plant. The Dungeness nature reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. -
Some residents live as close as 100 yards from the perimeter fence of Dungeness B. Other landmarks in the area include two lighthouses, one now defunct and operating as a museum. -
The power stations are important to the local economy, with Dungeness B employing around 700 staff. Operator British Energy says the annual wages add up to £130m. -
But some environmental campaigners have warned the generator plants are major hazards. Greenpeace says nuclear power presents risks through accidents, routine releases of radioactive discharges and the creation of radioactive waste. Terrorist attacks are also a concern. -
Local pressure group Kent Against A Radioactive Environment (Kare) says the two plants are the main source of radioactive pollution to south-east England's air and sea. -
But Martin Pearce, of British Energy, which runs Dungeness B, says the nuclear industry is one of the most strictly controlled and "safety is the absolute priority". -
Meanwhile, Dungeness A, one of four Magnox reactors, is gearing up for closure at the end of 2006. Its technology dates back to the 1950s. -
But given the volatile nature of nuclear waste, the final site clearance and closure may not be for another 100 years. It is currently planned for the year 2111. -
Dungeness B was due to close in 2008 but the deadline has been extended by 10 years.