‘It made me feel pretty sick’ – TV’s Bill Turnbull on hearing potential impacts of Sizewell C nuclear power station

Read online TV presenter Bill Turnbull has revealed that hearing about the possible impact of Sizewell C nuclear power station made him “feel pretty sick” – because of the effect on people’s lives and RSPB Minsmere

Richard Cuttell plays a major role in the opposition to Hinkey Point C, EDF nuclear plant project Picture: ANDREW PAPWORTH

Angry opponents to the proposed power station were urged to “keep fighting” during a major public meeting chaired by the celebrity at St Peter’s Church, Theberton, near Saxmundham, on Saturday.

EDF Energy says a new plant next to its existing Sizewell B and A stations is critical to meeting the country’s energy needs.

“Our aim is to maximise the huge benefits in jobs and skills for local people, especially the young, whilst minimising the environmental impact of the project,” a spokesman for the company said.

“We encourage local people to continue to meet with us, to share their views and take part in the consultation for a new power station in Suffolk.”

But the plans have caused fury from those living nearby, fearful of the impact on nearby roads and the effect on the Minsmere nature reserve nearby.

The meeting was called so neighbours could hear from Richard Cuttell – a key opponent to a similar nuclear power station built at Hinkley Point.

He told those gathered that the power station would have a negative effect on their lives, with noise from the construction of the site – which would take several years – and traffic woes.

“People are going to have noise potentially 24 hours a day,” he said.

His message to people was “question everything and keep fighting”, adding: “All I can suggest is persevere and put as much effort in as is humanly possible.”

After his presentation, Mr Turnbull – who lives nearby – said he was “grateful for the advice” Mr Cuttell gave, but added: “It made me feel pretty sick.”

Bill Turnbull to chair meeting on what life will be like on Sizewell C frontline

People will find out about the realities of living next door to a nuclear power station construction site tomorrow at a public meeting over Sizewell C.

Read online – Broadcaster Bill Turnbull will chair the event to discuss EDF Energy’s latest proposals for the twin reactor in the frontline community of Theberton and Eastbridge.

Special guest will be Hinkley Point C (HPC) campaigner Richard Cuttell who is travelling from Somerset to share his experience as neighbour to EDF’s construction site for the new plant on which Sizewell C will be based.

Mr Cuttell, chairman of the West Hinkley Action Group, lives in Shurton, close to the fenceline of HPC. He will bring his experience of dealing with EDF during the project, and that of local councillors he works closely with, describing how residents of the Parish of Stogursey – which contains the hamlets of Shurton and Burton and is similar to Theberton and Eastbridge – have been impacted by the build.

The meeting will begin with a presentation by Mr Cuttell including talking through public consultations, the Development Consent Application and life next to the construction site.

Bill Turnbull chairing a previous public meeting at Theberton Church. Picture: PAUL GEATER

Following a Q&A session, local campaigners will make short presentations on the key issues and share guidance on how to respond to EDF’s Stage 4 consultations by September 27.

Theberton and Eastbridge Parish Council and Theberton & Eastbridge Action Group on Sizewell (TEAGS), with partners B1122 Action Group and Minsmere Levels Stakeholder Group are organising the meeting from 10am to noon at St Peter’s Church, Theberton.

Previous meetings have seen the church packed to capacity.

With the RSPB’s Love Minsmere Festival following the next day, September 15, local people have the opportunity for a full weekend of campaigning on Sizewell C.

Alison Downes, co chairman of TEAGS, said: “We warmly welcome Richard to Suffolk following our visit to Hinkley Point a year ago. His experience will be invaluable in informing our community what they can expect in being neighbours to Sizewell C, should the project go ahead.”

“Stage 4 is EDF’s last Public consultation. Whilst we were among those requesting extra consultations, it was in the hope EDF would make changes to address the specific concerns of its nearest neighbours as well as more detail to rectify the lamentable level of preliminary environmental information. With EDF having essentially ignored us, we can expect a lively meeting.”