EDF Energy have condemned claims that nuclear material travelling through South Ayrshire towns via freight trains are dangerous.

Ayrshire CND raised concerns about the substances, believed to be transferred though Ayr, Prestwick and Barassie three times a week, for public health and safety, 

Ayrshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) believe this is against the Scottish Government policy and have researched the dangers of nuclear material transported by train.

There are fears that trains can leak radiation and are not allowed to stop in a rail siding to prevent an accident. But EDF Energy say this is not the case.

EDF Energy spokesperson said: "Nuclear safety and the protection of the public and the environment are EDF Energy's highest priority. 

"As a responsible operator, EDF Energy rigorously adheres to Scottish Government policy on the management of radioactive substances as well as the requirements of the appropriate regulator, ONR Transport. 

"The production of spent fuel, which is not classified as Higher Activity Waste, is a normal part of our operations. 

"We send this material in large fuel flasks to Sellafield for reprocessing or long-term storage. Before the flasks leave our site rigorous checks are carried out to ensure they are properly cleaned and sealed. 

"Any waste produced at our stations which is classified as being Higher Activity Waste is stored on site in accordance with government policy.”

The material is transferred from Hunterston to Sellafield. The flasks the spent fuel is sent in are made of single-forged steel, weigh 53 tonnes and have walls that are at least 39 centimetres thick. 

They comply with stringent regulator standards which include drop tests as well as being able to withstand fire and 200 metres of water depth pressure capability.

Once EDF Energy is satisfied that the flasks have been checked they are handed over to a rail freight operator called Direct Rail Services (DRS). DRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. 

EDF Energy has been working with them for more than a decade to ensure the safe transport of spent fuel from all its stations in the UK, including Hunterston B. 

They argue the transportation of spent fuel by rail is proven to be the safest method, as agreed by the regulator. Nuclear fuel has been transported by rail since 1962 and has travelled more than 12 million miles without any radiological release.