GOVERNMENT officials are set to visit Thornbury to discuss why Oldbury is on the list of potential new nuclear power stations in the country.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is due to visit Thornbury for a consultation event this month. It has been organised after South Gloucestershire Council and members of the community called for a meeting to give local residents the chance to hear how the Government’s proposed policies for energy have changed and also to ask questions about the inclusion of Oldbury in the list of potential new nuclear power stations.

Representatives from DECC will attend the meeting, as part of the national consultation on the revised Draft Nuclear National Policy Statement, which runs until 24 January.

The representatives are planning to give a presentation and answer questions afterwards.

Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transport and strategic environment at South Gloucestershire Council, said: "As part of the ongoing consultation DECC is carrying out, we asked if they could attend an event in the district to help give residents as many opportunities as possible to give their views on the inclusion of Oldbury in the list of potential new nuclear power stations.

"We are very pleased that DECC have been able respond positively to our request."

The event, take place on Thursday 16 December, 7pm – 9pm, at Severnside Hall, Thornbury Leisure Centre is open to everyone and no prior registration is required.

For more information on the revised Draft Nuclear National Policy Statement visit www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk