Councillors representing Golders Green ward say they will do everything in their power to stop Cricklewood sidings being used as a pick-up point for spent nuclear fuel.

Councillors Jack Cohen, Aba Dunner and Christopher Harris are disappointed that British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL) and Railtrack failed to consult them or residents on the new contract, which will see fuel from three power stations being brought to Cricklewood for an intial period of three months starting in October.

Mr Harris, an environmental initiatives officer, said he and his colleagues accepted risks to public safety may be small. "Nevertheless," he said, "local residents should have been consulted and given an opportunity to decide what level of potential radiation exposure is safe to have so close to their backyards."

Barnet Council leader Alan Williams said despite the concerns there was little he could do to prevent the pick-up at Cricklewood. He added that he would be asking the council's chief executive Max Caller to seek safety assurances. BNFL spokesman Peter Osbourne said the company had no statutory duty to consult with residents. He added that anybody who wanted more information should contact BNFL.

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