CAMPAIGNERS against a new nuclear power station near Oldbury have said they will continue the fight to stop a plant being built.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced this week that Shepperdine, near Oldbury, was still considered a suitable site for a new generation nuclear power station.

Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy, released a list of eight preferred sites across the country as part of the government’s revised draft Nuclear National Policy Statement.

The inclusion of Oldbury on the new list was a blow to local campaigners who had hoped the site would be ruled out because of the need for cooling towers.

Reg Illingworth, chairman of Shepperdine Against Nuclear Energy (SANE), said: "We know that the Shepperdine site offers massive logistical and construction issues that E-on and RWE say can be mitigated. I can imagine an archaeologist in 1,000 years looking at the half built structure and laughing out loud at the human generation that attempted to build it.

"We are ready and fully equipped with energy, skills and belief to win this fight against E.on and RWE."

Steve Webb, MP for Thornbury and Yate, said: "This is disappointing news. We made a powerful case that this isn’t the right place. As any dogged campaigner we don’t take no for an answer."

However, the announcement was welcomed by Horizon, the joint nuclear venture between E-on and RWE, which has already bought around 150-acres of land at Shepperdine for a new power station.

Tim Proudler, planning and consents manager at Horizon said: "It’s good news that government is moving ahead with the framework for the development of new nuclear power.

"The National Policy Statements are the basis of an efficient and fair planning regime which allows for proper local consultation. We’re keen to see the process properly finalised without further delay."

If built a new station, which would operate for up to 60 years, could create 5,000 construction jobs and employ 800-1000 people during operation.

DECC has now launched a new three-month consultation on its revised draft Nuclear National Policy Statement.

The consultation can be found at www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk Members of the public have until January 24, 2011 to comment.