By Ashley Watt.
Plans to close a local power station in East Lothian have sparked a dispute over the future of the Cockenzie Power Station site. It was recently announced that the existing coal-fired power station situated in in Cockenzie must close by December 31st, 2015. However, operator Scottish Power is expected to apply for permission to replace the plant with a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station.The move has angered community representatives who fear many locals are in the dark about the plans.
Scottish Power Spokesperson Paul Ferguson commented that, “our plans basically are to replace the aging coal station that’s there with a modern, highly efficient gas fired power station that will greatly reduce the emissions across the board.” He adds that “Cockenzie’s an excellent location for this”.
It is apparent that local residents feel differently. The power station was dubbed ‘the dirtiest in Europe’ by newspaper The Herald and many people agree that the existing power station is a major source of pollution and health issues. There are indications that cancer and cardiovascular illness rates in the area are above the national average, while local doctors surgeries report high rates of lung problems.
Plans to replace the station are not merely opposed to by residents but also by local authorities. Isobel Black, speaking on behalf of Cockenzie & Port Seton Community Council, said, “after nearly 50 years of noise and air pollution, the villages around the existing station deserve better.”
Edinburgh Napier News spoke to a number of local residents. One commented ‘I don’t want another power station on my door step. I have had enough with Cockenzie being dirty and noisy, it marrs the landscape.’ The general feeling of residents is one angst, the majority of local people are against the opening of a new power station. Cockenzie is a beautiful seaside town which is gradually becoming increasingly affected by the pollution and the health issues associated with the station.
Another local woman, Mary Jane Burns further insisted production in the area should end with the closure of the existing station. She commented ‘I feel we should be given the land back for recreation and certainly to have a bit of peace from the noise and the dirt that we’ve suffered over the last number of years.’
The dispute continues, however local residents are campaigning for the final closure of the station, they feel they deserve a break from the pollution and want to abolish the health related issues for future generations.
