A NEW nuclear power station at Bradwell will benefit the Essex economy, according to the county's Chambers of Commerce.

Chief executive John Clayton believes nuclear energy is the way forward and the prospect of the Bradwell being chosen as one of the new sites should be welcomed.

"Some of the jobs created at power stations are high quality, and they usually use many contractors, which brings investment into the area," said Mr Clayton.

The Gazette has already reported how John Whittingdale MP for Maldon and East Chelmsford, which covers Bradwell, said in its heyday the Bradwell site employed more than 300 people.

He said when the site - which ran from 1962 to 2002 - is fully decommissioned, it would bring a drastic cut in jobs that the area could "ill afford".

As a result the majority of people in his constituency are supportive of the idea the power station could be up and running again, he said.

John Clayton said Bradwell being brough back into use again is about more than jobs for the local economy.

"The power station would be a big infrastructure development for Essex, just as roads, the Olympics and Crossrail are all important for us. We are in a marvellous part of the country to be operating in and we need these infrastructure improvements," he said.

"The knock on effects are that it would support people being a ble to afford to buy a house, use the shops and businesses in the area - John Whittingdale is spot on."

He added: "Yes, people don't want it in their back yards but it's important to have access to energy in sufficient quantities. The traditional sources of energy - oil and gas - are found in parts of the world that are unstable. We don't want our economy to be held hostage by the developments in the Middle East."

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the Government's decision to formally back a new generation of nuclear power station was "the right decision".

But Richard Lambert, CBI director-general, added: "Nuclear is not the only answer - more renewables and clean coal will be also be needed, but nuclear's proven ability to generate low carbon electricity means it can play a valuable role in climate change."