by Dan Bloom

dbloom@thekmgroup.co.uk

Hundreds of residents flocked to a meeting this morning over the future of Dungeness as a nuclear site.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins and the head of the government's Office for Nuclear Development, Hergen Haye, were among those who addressed a packed hall in New Romney for two hours.

Residents spoke in almost unanimous support of a third nuclear power station in Dungeness, an idea the government currently rejects due to wildlife protection laws.

Alan Leighton, the national secretary of the Prospect union, told the meeting: "This is not an issue that can be put into the long grass. If we leave this too long the economy blight will hit this area before you know it, then it will be too late."

Dungeness B employs 500 people, most of whom live on Romney Marsh, and is due to be decommissioned in 2018. The A station is already undergoing the same process.

The meeting came just two days before a consultation on nuclear sites ends on Monday. The government's National Policy Statement (NPS) lists eight stations it thinks can be built before 2025.

Dungeness is not on the list, but Mr Haye said his office would consider whether to change it.

Mr Collins told the Kentish Express: "I'm pleased so many people came today and I do hope the government thinks again.

"Meetings like this get the civil servants out of their Whitehall offices and show them what people really think."

** Full report with pictures will appear in the Kentish Express, out Thursday.

** To make your voice heard visitw.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk or email nps.consultation@decc.gov.uk