The following is a letter from resident Judy Lea in response to Maldon MP John Whittingdale speaking in favour of the proposed nuclear power station in Bradwell-on-Sea last Monday (10 January), telling the House of Commons he "remains a strong supporter of nuclear power".

If you would like a letter to be featured in Readers' Letters at Maldon Nub News, just email it to the editor at [email protected].

Alternatively, use the 'Nub It' button to submit your letter via our website using the link here.

I read your piece on our respected MP's enthusiasm for a new nuclear power station at Bradwell and was saddened to realise he's clearly such a victim of his own past. The glory days which started 60 plus years ago, when we knew so little about the long-term repercussions of nuclear and were just grateful for potential extra jobs, are now long gone.

For a start, the employment situation has completely changed for a host of reasons, including Brexit. With fuel prices rising, people would just not be prepared to pay for the extra immediate and whole life costs of nuclear if the government was honest enough to declare these, when adequate and cheaper renewable energy can be available sooner.

Renewable energy is already more nimble in coping with fluctuations in demand and storage technology is rapidly advancing. The site is now officially highly vulnerable to rising sea levels that were not even conceived of all those years ago. As he must have seen the proposed plans, he should well know that Bradwell B Power Generation Company (BRB) is on a hugely bigger scale than the original, and requiring vastly more pylons (which interestingly are not shown).

More than all these practical considerations though, I believe that there has been a profound societal change in our perceptions of what's valuable. The importance and worth of our local maritime surroundings (which would be devastated by the intake and effluent of a nuclear station) is now even formally recognised. Environmental designations have been made. The important heritage of Bradwell's historic buildings, including those at RAF Bradwell Bay as well as adjacent St. Peters, is being increasingly understood.

It's been all of 20 years - a generation ago - since Bradwell ceased to generate electricity since when some of its peace and former beauty have been reclaimed.

Now Covid itself has brought about a far greater appreciation for outdoor enjoyment of the kind that this part of the Dengie has, with its dark night skies and proximity to both coast and countryside.

After 30 years as our MP, it seems there's a need to catch up with our changing times. Perhaps even argue for the removal of the radioactive waste left behind at Bradwell before the land is flooded?

Judy Lea