Please don’t shoot the messenger.

After receiving even more pamphlets through my letterbox extolling the virtues of a new power station to replace the old one near the village of Bradwell-on-Sea, I expect, however many objections and consultations they receive, it will inevitably one day be built.

I can understand people’s fear of the unknown, but all the objections, protests and lobbying to whoever they think will listen I suspect will be in vain.

The best that can be hoped for, is for our representatives from central and local government to make sure the company that will eventually build it commit and keep to their promises that the protection of the environment will be a high priority along with people’s concerns for safety and any new infrastructure will be well thought out and applied.

With an ever-expanding population that expects the lights to stay on, from plugging in an electric toothbrush to recharging the latest model electric car, more and more energy has to be made available.

I am no expert, but I am sure the siting of a nuclear power station requires three fundamental things: 1.) To be near a large water supply; 2.) To be in an isolated area; 3.) It helps if the infrastructure is already in place (pylons). Then I would say Bradwell-on-Sea ticks all the boxes.

What we don’t want to see is a repeat of something like the local council’s ill-conceived and poorly thought through local development plan where massive housing developments are allowed which will soon swamp Maldon, Heybridge and Burnham, because I strongly suspect there was a large dose of the “not in my back yard” culture when it was belatedly voted through.

I think most people are pragmatic on energy requirements for future generations, so it is vital that the people who are responsible and can influence decisions such as new roads, make the right ones for the right reasons before the first shovel of earth is dug.

Robbie Green

Fambridge Road, Maldon