Cracks in pipes prompt temporary closure of Hinkley Point near Burnham-On-Sea

Published: October 16, 2006
Cracks in pipes prompt temporary closure of Hinkley Point near Burnham

British Energy admitted on Monday (October 16th) that cracks in boiler pipes at Hinkley Point power station, near Burnham-On-Sea, are "at the high end of those previously experienced" and it is therefore preparing to temporarily shut down the reactor.

The station may be out of action for "months," the Scottish-based company announced.

But spokeswoman Sue Fletcher added there is no threat to public safety.

"The output of Hinkley B R4 has been lowered," the group confirmed in a statement.

"Preparations are being made to shut down the units for inspections and to undertake any repair work required so as to be satisfied as to the integrity of the boilers."

The news comes after reports in September that the date of the station's three-yearly statutory inspection had been brought forward when checks on a reactor at Scotland's Hunterston nuclear plant showed problems with similar cracked pipes.