Only 32 people respond to plan to scrap nuclear submarines in Plymouth
A CONSULTATION exercise on proposals to cut up decommissioned nuclear submarines in Devonport has received just 32 responses since it was launched in October.
The most recent figures obtained from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) reveal that only 72 feedback forms have been submitted.
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Thirty four queries have been logged by the MoD, as well as the 32 'responses', and a total of 3,000 consultation documents have been handed out.
Since October a series of public exhibitions on the controversial Submarine Dismantling Project have been staged in Plymouth and across the country.
An MoD spokesman told The Herald that approximately 1,200 people have attended the events.
The consultation exercise ends next Friday when MoD officials will study the responses before making a decision at a later date.
Members of the public keen to express their views on the proposals are being urged to do so before it's too late.
So far the MoD has received a mixed reaction to the plans.
On consultation forms some people say they are in support of it, while others say they are against it.
"No way should this be happening," one person states. Another adds: "Devonport is too highly populated for this. I do not agree."
But another person states: "The submarines should be dismantled in Devonport to keep employment in this part of England."
As revealed in The Herald last year dismantling decommissioned nuclear submarines in Devonport is the "more reasonable proposition" – according to the MoD.
Documents issued to the public by the MoD state that the "proposed option" is to undertake initial dismantling at both Devonport and Rosyth Dockyards – the two sites originally earmarked for the work.
But it adds that an option to use Rosyth Dockyard only is the "least attractive" in terms of cost.
The reason for it being the least attractive option is because it would "require 20 submarines to be moved north and, in the longer term, there would be no similar work with which to share overheads".
The document adds: "Dismantling at Devonport only, on the other hand, remains a more reasonable proposition."
An assessment of all three dismantling site options will be revisited in light of public consultation responses.
Last year Plymouth City Council leader, Vivien Pengelly, and Devonport Dockyard's trade union boss, Peter Smith, spoke out in support of the proposals.
For further information on the Submarine Dismantling Project visit www.mod.uk/submarinedismantling.
To register your views on the project email DESSMIS-SDP@mod.uk or call 030679 83793 or visit.
38 Comments
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by john23r
Thursday, February 16 2012, 11:21AM
“"Has there ever been a case where a member of the public has suffered any radiological consequence from something that has happened in the yard? No!
Will there be any risk to the public during the dismantling of submarines after defuel? Highly unlikely I suggest."
That is some claim, sadly not backed up by any research to prove it one way or another. I live in Keyham, and you cant move for people suffering with cancer and leukemias. Who knows if there is a linkage to the nuclear work in the dockyard. Despite repeated requests, no-one will stump up the cash to do a real study to prove it one way or another. I do know the residents of Keyham have about a 15yr less life expectancy than outer areas of Plymouth. Why is that?”
by Mark2Plym
Tuesday, February 14 2012, 12:28AM
“Fact the Navy has huge problem to dismantle nuclear submarines no where else to do it! Therefore make them pay for it, ask Mike Cushion in Abbeywood how much he is willing to pay for it, if not that Simon Lister (Admiral), NB both live a lomg way from Plymouth.”
by Bavaria
Monday, February 13 2012, 10:49PM
“Epic...
We can't even be allowed to park next to our own
houses to suffer the Radiation and Toxicity.”
by asctty
Monday, February 13 2012, 9:22PM
“@ ukwrecker157
I cannot possibly have known of your personal issues, and apologise if I have mistaken you rant for something more associaed with others. However, there is no evidence that activities in Devonport have had a direct adverse effect on health in the area.
As for working in this area, yes I do, on behalf of you, to ensure that it is safe. If it is not, I do not pen my name to it. Full stop!”
by ukwrecker157
Monday, February 13 2012, 8:47PM
“@ asctty, for your information I work for a living and get screwed for it, I am not one of your benefit spongers, I have been getting screwed left right and centre by this Government and past Government, and I have felt the effects of Cancer for which the dumping and storage of this type of thing could cause big trouble I have known families who have had not one but 2 children at the same time suffer from cancer and lose them, this country is going down the pan and it's probably due to the attitude by the likes of people like you, judging by you symbol you more then likely earn your living from dealing with **** like this, so it's no wonder you are in favor of their actions”
by asctty
Monday, February 13 2012, 7:11PM
“@ ukwrecker157
Eh, I think comparing a couple of submarines with the horrors of oppression is hardly appropriate.
If we took your suggestion then your monicker would be very apt.
Go back to the jigsaw garden, via the post office for your benefits of course.”
by ukwrecker157
Monday, February 13 2012, 6:13PM
“@jabbathebutt anger does nothing, the only thing these people understand is action like the people of Syria they are taking action for what the believe in, they do not want the currupt leader they have, but unlike the British people these people are willing to fight for what they believe in, the British Public pull the blankets over their heads and do nothing, like the action they took with Petrol and VAT increases they turned to jelly and done nothing, if the British people wanted to take action then all they would have to do is demand not ask but demand for a general ellection, because they are sick and tierd of being taken for a ride and if they do not get it, they bring the country to and stand still and down tools every where across the country”
by jabbathebutt
Sunday, February 12 2012, 8:10PM
“It could be 32 thousand replies and people know their local views would be overided . Thats why there is no response . Local people know they have no democratic right in saying what goes in in their local. Decisions made from afar from people who dont even know how to get to devonport without a chauffeur driven car.
The incinerator for example .
No one who had to live with it would have put it there . It was planned from afar from people not affected by it .... but making a profit from it . And they wonder why people are angry ?”
by ukwrecker157
Sunday, February 12 2012, 5:19PM
“Believe me when I say we have enough radioactive waste stored under ground in places like Ernesettle and Bull point already, the Government of this country class Plymouth as being an expendable asset to their needs, they state there is not anymore increases in Cancer cases with in the Plymouth and surrounding areas, and if you believe any of that then the people of Plymouth are more gullible then I first thought, the Government controls what figures are released like they control all figures of Cancer cases through out area where Nuclear facility's are like Aldermaston and Sellafield, they would never release the real figures to the general Public”
by mcspredder
Sunday, February 12 2012, 11:29AM
“Well, it's going to happen whatever we want.
Now this could be a prestige, state of the art facility, all bright and shiny and efficient, or it could be done the Plymouth way - just another ruddy scrapyard. Could employ a couple of MOD Police dogs.”