A RENOWNED scientist urged Cumbrians to take action over nuclear power plants during a special meeting in Kendal.

Dr Ian Fairlie gave a talk to the South Lakeland Friends of the Earth discussing the links between radiation from nuclear power plants and childhood leukaemia.

He outlined some of the possible risks from the nuclear facilities at Heysham and Sellafield.

Dr Fairlie urged the concerned audience to write to their local MP asking for information about doses of radiation in South Lakeland and the risks.

Using evidence from a recent German study, he suggested that children living near nuclear facilities face an increased risk of cancer.

“The findings of the KiKK report have reignited the debate in Germany,” said Dr Fairlie. “The report has stopped any debate about building any more power stations in Germany. It found more than double an increase in childhood leukaemias.

“The closer you live to the reactor the higher your risk of leukaemia and the risk extends 50 kilometres away from the reactor. This is really frightening.”

Dr Fairlie is most interested in the risks to embryos and foetuses and has formed a theory using results from a recent German study.

Sellafield spokeswoman, Ali McKibbin said the discharges from Sellafield are made under strict authorisations set by regulatory bodies.

“The incidence of childhood leukaemia around Sellafield has been the subject of much scientific research and study. None of this has demonstrated a link between discharges from the site and childhood leukaemia."