A CAMPAIGN group has called the pausing of talks regarding a new nuclear power station a “silver lining” and hopes the proposal will be scrapped altogether.

The Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group says it indicates a “significant reversal” for the project.

Talks between Maldon District Council and Bradwell B Power Generation Company – a collaboration between China General Nuclear (CGN) and EDF – have stalled.

The Bradwell group said, in order to tightly control expenditure, it needs to pause aspects of the project it is not yet ready to progress.

But BANNG chairman Prof Andy Blowers said: “Despite urging the developer to suspend public engagement during the pandemic, BANNG was told the national need was urgent and it was in the public interest that the proposed development is not indefinitely or even substantially delayed.

“Now it seems, the project is slowing down and no longer so vital.

“The indefinite pause makes one wonder if this could be the beginning of the end for a project for which there is no vital need, and which will create irretrievable damage and danger to the coastal communities of Essex.

“Taking all these issues together, it is quite possible that the pause will provide the prelude to final abandonment of the project.”

He added: “Covid may be the final straw. For far too long this black cloud has been hanging over the Blackwater. At last there are signs of a silver lining.”

The campaign group claims that, until a year ago, CGN was claiming it was ramping up its plans for Bradwell B to take pole position in the UK’s civil nuclear programme as other projects fell by the wayside.

READ MORE: Work on nuclear power station may be ‘paused for years'

Bradwell B says it will continue the project which, it it says, will create 8,000 jobs in the construction stage and 800 permanent roles and will bring reliable, low carbon energy for years to come.