The impact of the closure of Bradwell Power Station will be under the spotlight next week.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale and Maldon District Council chief executive, Tony Plumridge have been invited to the Burnham Strategy Group Forum meeting on February 4.

"The closure of the power station has social and economic repercussions far beyond the regrettable loss of employment in the area," said strategy group administrator Terry Quinlan.

He added: "We are very fortunate to have two extremely knowledgeable speakers able to cover the national and district implications of the closure and to described what can and is being done to reduce possible hardship or financial loss to all who reside in this area."

The announcement of the closure of the power station in 2002 was made two months ago. It was said it was no longer commercially viable to keep them going. It could be at least 100 years before it could be safely returned to its former greenfield status.

The meeting will be held at 8pm at the town council chamber in Chapel Road and members of the public are invited.

Southminster Cllr Brian Beale has proposed development of two freight terminals at Southminster and Battlesbridge which could help ally fears about the Southminster branch line following the closure of the power station.

He voiced the suggestion at a meeting of the Essex Rail Strategy Forum.

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