Jan 15 - Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)

A new nuclear waste store is to be created next to Hunterston power station, it emerged today.

First Minister Alex Salmond has defended plans to build up to six stores spread across the Ayrshire site, Dounreay, Chapelcross and Torness.

Mr Salmond said the proposals were a "responsible policy" and would eliminate the need for waste to be transported for dumping at Sellafield, Cumbria.

He said: "It is entirely right that we store things - low-level and medium nuclear waste - safely in the place they're generated."

Other possible sites could include Faslane nuclear submarine base on the Clyde.

British Energy, the company that runs Torness and Hunterston, is opposed to the plans.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

(c) 2008 Evening Times; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.