Discussions continue over nuclear power stations

The nuclear power station currently provides work for about 1,500 people

Discussions are continuing over the future of two nuclear power stations.

The energy firm, EDF, wants to extend operations in Lancashire at Heysham 1 by two years to 2026, while Heysham 2 is currently due to stay open until 2028.

Councillors, MPs and government ministers are looking at options which could include installing a smaller nuclear reactor.

Inspections are due at Heysham and any further extensions would need regulators' approval.

Lancaster City Council's Labour leader, Phillip Black, is in support of the extension

The nuclear power stations were launched in the 1980s and are now operating longer than originally planned.

They currently provide work for about 1,500 people.

Some other UK nuclear power stations have been decommissioned in recent years. 

Heysham is the only site in the UK to have two operating nuclear power stations.

Lancaster City Council's Labour leader, Phillip Black, said in a report: "As was noted verbally at last month's full council meeting, I have written a letter to our district's two MPs, and the Minister for Energy, outlining my support for EDF's application to extend the generating life of Heysham 1 and 2."