A CAMPAIGN group fighting against a new power station at Bradwell warned a public meeting the bid is “is too expensive, dangerous and unnecessary”.

Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (BANNG) held the meeting at the United Reformed Church in Maldon last week.

Speakers included chairman Professor Andy Blowers, Professor Stephen Thomas of the University of Greenwich and Professor Keith Barnham, Nuclear Physicist of Imperial College, London.

In 2011 the Government revealed a list of eight sites deemed “potentially suitable” for new nuclear stations, including Bradwell.

In January, it was announced the Government had asked nuclear regulators to begin the process of approving a Chinese-designed reactor for a new power plant.

EDF Energy signed a deal with China General Nuclear Power Corporation for Bradwell B, a greenfield site next to the former station.

The Chinese company will provide two thirds of the development costs of Bradwell B.

The meeting heard how campaigners believe nuclear power is becoming redundant and there should be a move towards cheaper, less dangerous sources of power.

Councillors, MP John Whittingdale and representatives of the Chinese developer did not attend the meeting to discuss the plans.

Prof Blowers said: “The Chinese developers...either have nothing or something to hide and a wall of silence is unacceptable.”