MAYOR Ken Livingstone has launched a study into whether terrorists could attack trains carrying nuclear waste going through the borough.

Spent nuclear fuel rods from Dungeness, Bradwell and Sizewell nuclear power stations are transported by rail through Bromley on their way to Sellafield, Cumbria, for reprocessing.

Green Party leader of the London Assembly Darren Johnson has been pushing for a risk assessment since 2001.

The study will assess the likelihood of a serious incident and the impact of a radioactive release on London.

It will look into whether there are any alternative routes to transport the waste from power stations in Kent, Essex and Suffolk to avoid going through the capital.

Cllr Johnson said: "I am delighted the mayor is going ahead with this study.

"There is a serious terrorist threat in London and we cannot afford to ignore the possibility of an attack.

"We need this risk assessment to provide a hard-headed look at the risks of an accident or an attack."

The London Assembly scrutiny report Transportation of Nuclear Waste by Train highlighted a number of major concerns.

These included a lack of proper emergency training to deal with an incident, inadequate safety tests and the threat from terrorist attacks.

The key recommendation from the inquiry was for the mayor to commission an independent risk assessment.

This has been welcomed by environmental campaigners.

CND has conducted tests with Geiger counters when trains had been waiting at Hither Green and they picked up varying levels of radiation.

Bromley and Beckenham CND secretary Ann Garrett said: "We welcome the inquiry, especially since Bromley Council, when asked questions regarding safety at council meetings last year, seemed satisfied with government directives and safety measures and feels it can't pursue any of its own.

"It is also opposed to becoming a nuclear-free authority and appeared dismissive of our inquiries."

She added: "Waste from Dungeness nuclear power station passes through Sevenoaks, Orpington, Petts Wood, Chislehurst, Elmstead Woods and Grove Park on its way round London and then travels north for re-processing at Sellafield."