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EDF blasted over work on badger setts

THIS IS THE WESTCOUNTRY
Wednesday 24th November 2010
EDF Energy has been blasted for beginning preparatory work at the site of Hinkley Power Station’s proposed new build before receiving planning permission.

Kick Nuclear has slammed the energy company for beginning to block badger setts under licence at the 400-acre Hinkley site in order to save time if the build is given the go ahead.

Nancy Birch, spokeswoman for the anti-nuclear energy campaign, said: “This is a clear warning of how EDF Energy intends to operate in the future – the company is using its commercial muscle to cut corners.

“At the moment it’s badgers that are suffering. But our concern is that the same attitude may cause people to suffer if Hinkley C gets the go ahead and there is an accident or radioactive leak.”

According to the Badger Trust, the legally protected animals should only be moved ‘as a last resort’.

Jack Reedy, spokesman for trust, said: “If it’s not done very carefully, it can be very stressful for the animals and unbelievably cruel.”

Kick Nuclear has criticised the company for persuading environment watchdog Natural England to grant the licence to block off the setts.

David Eccles, from EDF, said the relocation is being done in an environmentally sensitive manner.

He added: “We worked very closely with Natural England, the National Farmers’ Union and local landowners to draw up detailed and very carefully considered plans for a badger vaccination programme and to provide alternative setts.

“Work was undertaken only after|the necessary permissions were obtained.

“Natural England treat each application on an individual basis and|full planning permission is not a statutory requirement for the issue of a licence.”

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