CLAIMS of nuclear contamination at the Hinkley Point site have been refuted this week.

The Environment Agency has this week revealed the findings of an investigation into claims by anti-nuclear campaigners that soil at the site is contaminated with enriched uranium.

David Bennett for the Environment Agency said: “In view of public concerns that the allegations may have caused, the Environment Agency undertook soil sampling to provide reliable scientific information about whether or not uranium contamination is present on the proposed site.

“The results of our sampling show that no enriched uranium is present.”

Enriched uranium is used as fuel in nuclear power stations Mr Bennett added: “Uranium is present naturally in small quantities in all rocks and soils.

“The levels of uranium found in the soil samples taken both on and off the site are low, and at naturally occurring levels.”

In an open letter to West Somerset Council, Stop Hinkley campaigners alleged the land is contaminated citing results from a report by environmental group Green Audit.

Katy Attwater, spokesperson for Stop Hinkley said: "Surely our fellow human beings at EDF would want to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that disturbing the land at Hinkley Point will not be a health hazard to workers, local people and the wider community in the South West."

A spokesman for EDF said: “The Environment Agency has now confirmed that Green Audit's allegations are completely unfounded.”