A NUCLEAR protest group has defended its comments about the disaster at Fukushima.

Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (BANNG), was criticised by Miriam Lewis, a Maldon District Councillor, after claiming that a similar event could befall Bradwell.

The group was accused by councillor Lewis of using the tragedy for political gain.

However, in a statement sent to the Standard, spokesperson Varrie Blowers said: “The Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan has highlighted the problems with nuclear power and BANNG, in rightly drawing attention to these, has promised to re-double its efforts to prevent a Fukushima happening at Bradwell.”

The group also said that it tried to set up a meeting with Maldon District Council to discuss the proposals for a new power station at Bradwell, but claimed that the council refused.

BANNG presented a petition containing 10,000 signatures opposing the Government plans to Energy Minister Charles Hendry last month.