PEOPLE living near Hinkley Point A nuclear power station are being invited to make their views known on proposals to discharge and dispose radioactive waste from the UK's eight Magnox power stations.

A public meeting will be held in Bridgwater Sports and Social Club, in Bath Road, on September 5, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm to discuss British Nuclear Fuels' (BNFL) proposals.

The Environment Agency has also organised a series of surgeries at the sports club on September 5 from 2pm to 5pm and on September 6 from 10am to 2pm to give people the chance to meet agency officers involved in the consultation process.

The agency had originally planned to stage a public meeting in June, but that was postponed after BNFL announced that Hinkley point A would be decommissioned.

Steve Chandler, of the Environment Agency, said a revised draft certificate of authorisation - the official document which would allow BNFL to discharge radioactive waste - had now been drawn up.

However, because of the unforeseen delay, the consultation period for Hinkley A has been extended until September 30.

He said: "The agency has produced a draft authorisation but no decisions will be made until we have carefully considered all the responses to the consultation.

"We are now keen to hear the views of local people on the company's application and any issues they think the agency should be taking into account."

The amended application, the revised draft authorisation and the updated explanatory document can be seen at West Somerset District Council's offices in Williton, Somerset County Council's headquarters in Taunton, and at the agency's office in East Quay, Bridgwater.

The documents can also be found in public libraries and on the agency's website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/consultations">www.environment-agency.gov.uk/consultations

Comments on BNFL's applications must be made by the end of September and sent to Environment Agency, BNFL/Magnox Consultation, PO Box 446, Bedford, MK42 0ZR. They can also be e-mailed to: [email protected]">[email protected]