The Government has assured the Greater London Authority (GLA) that transporting nuclear waste through Lewisham is still safe despite the possibility of terrorist attacks.

This follows the GLA's nuclear waste trains investigative committee report, which called for an urgent technical review of the risks surrounding rail transport.

GLA environment committee chairman Samantha Heath asked the Government about arrangements in the event of a terrorist attack on a waste train.

Trains carrying spent nuclear fuel regularly travel through densely populated areas of London including Hither Green, Lewisham and Chislehurst Junction on route to the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport Local Government and the Regions said: "Transporting toxic waste through London is both safe and secure in light of the current threat assessment.

"The police provide an organised and specialised response force to any security incident or occurrence. The normal emergency response arrangements, which apply to accidents would be initiated to deal with any potential radiological effects.

"Operators could re-route around London, but there are very significant economic, social and security disadvantages as well as negative impact on the operation of the rail network."

The report by the GLA made several recommendations including improvements to track-side security, examination of alternative routes bypassing London and independent monitoring of radiation and contamination levels on trains and around tracks.

Miss Heath said: "Protecting Londoners' safety is a number one priority for all assembly members at the GLA and the Government has made it clear it will take the concerns of the assembly into account.

"I'm relieved we are able to work with Government in this way to ensure Londoners' safety during the hostilities is not put at risk and furthermore, any concerns around safety are properly acted upon."

October 23, 2001 11:30