A GROUP has been launched to fight plans for a second nuclear power station in Bradwell-on-Sea.

The tiny village has been earmarked by the Government as one of several preferred sites for a new generation of power stations.

If given the go-ahead, the new site could sit alongside the existing station - which is being decommissioned - on land owned by British Energy.

Residents of West Mersea, which is situated on the banks of the River Blackwater opposite the proposed location, have set up Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (Banng).

A spokesman said the group will try to protect the people and environment of the River Blackwater estuary from the risks and dangers of radioactivity by stopping the further development of nuclear activity in the area.

Members will focus on raising public awareness, gathering information on the risks of a new station, and challenging plans for any more nuclear activity on the Bradwell site.

They will also demand the clean-up of the existing site and call for transparent decision making on the part of Government and the nuclear industry in which the community is involved.

Professor Andy Blowers, who was picked as chairman, said: "There is a determination among the supporters of Banng to oppose the development of a new nuclear station at Bradwell within two miles of Mersea Island.

"The reality is that it will become a long-term, high-level waste dump with all the risks that entails.

"There is a strong feeling that the views of local communities are being cynically ignored and that we are being kept in the dark."

Banng plans to recruit supporters, organise petitions and hold meetings around the Blackwater estuary.