A SERIES of roadshows is being held to allow people an opportunity to have their say on the future of the Hinkley Point A nuclear power station site.

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) wants to hear views from communities and to give people a first-hand opportunity to see how work on the site continues to support jobs, skills, and the local economy.

The first thee of the interactive digital exhibitions, designed to spark conversation, share information, and, most importantly, listen to community views, are being hosted next week in Bridgwater.

More will follow in West Somerset locations on dates still to be announced.

Visitors will be able to explore the progress being made at Hinkley Point A, learn more about the work taking place, and help shape ideas for what the site could become in the future.

A previous nuclear power station decommissioning roadshow to gather people's views on what sites should be used for.
A previous nuclear power station decommissioning roadshow to gather people's views on what sites should be used for. (NRS)

The exhibitions invite people to share their thoughts on a range of possible future uses for the site, including ideas such as:

  • A solar farm
  • Parkland or green space
  • Leisure or community facilities
  • Or, something completely different

Every event is an opportunity for the community to see the changes underway and to play an active role in shaping what comes next for Hinkley A.

An NRS spokesperson said: “Decommissioning is about much more than taking buildings down.

“It plays a vital role in sustaining skilled employment, developing future career opportunities, and keeping expertise in the local area for generations to come.”

Hinkley A site director Mark Pitts said: “Hosting a community exhibition focused on decommissioning is one essential way for us to reach different audiences in our community.

“We want to share more information about the work that we are delivering and seek views that could influence future decisions.

“In national workshops, younger participants highlighted the importance of long-term community benefits, such as access to skilled employment, and enhanced local amenities.

“By directly engaging all of our community, including young people from Hinkley Point A in the conversation, the exhibition provides an opportunity to demystify the decommissioning process, emphasise our focus on safety and sustainability, and connect its outcomes to their aspirations for the region’s future.”

Hinkley A started generating power in 1965 and was eventually closed down in 2000 after 35 years of operation, and was completely de-fuelled by 2005 before its decommissioning started.

The site is now focused on the safe and secure retrieval, packaging and storing of its legacy waste.

Priorities for the site include completing the commissioning of the plant required to process, treat, encapsulate, and store intermediate level waste on site until a UK geological disposal facility becomes available.

Significant progress is also being made on asbestos hazard reduction from boiler houses and other areas across the site.

Hinkley A will then enter a ‘care and maintenance stage’ until further radioactive decay occurs and the reactors can be demolished before final site clearance.

The next-door Hinkley Point B station will be next to join the NRS family in the autumn when its decommissioning and site restoration starts.