THE threat of a nuclear catastrophe in Japan has prompted a warning from campaigners against a new reactor in Bradwell.

However, a councillor has branded their attempts to use the disaster in the city of Fukushima as “intellectual scaremongering”.

The earthquake and tsunami have caused two explosions at a reactor there.

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from the area around Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Professor Andy Blowers, chairman of Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (BANNG), said: “The nuclear industry will argue that it cannot happen here - the power stations planned for Britain are much safer, they are well regulated and we do not have massive earthquakes or tsunamis.

“But, Japan’s nuclear stations were declared safe and earthquake-proof - until Fukushima. Confidence in the pronouncements of the nuclear industry, which was never high, has now been totally shattered.”

Mr Blowers said even tsunamis triggered elsewhere cannot be ruled out and seismic activity is not unknown in the local area.

He added: “The only way to avoid the possibility of another Chernobyl or Fukushima is to abandon the nuclear folly. We do not need it; it is simply far too dangerous.”

The Bradwell site, next to the former power station, is likely to be sold to another developer before a new nuclear station is built.

However, Miriam Lewis, a Maldon district councillor, said: “However BANNG tries to dress up its pseudo-intellectual scaremongering intentions in sympathetic footnotes on this press release, making political gain out of such a tragedy as has occurred in Japan is disgusting.

“Any interest I may have had in understanding the BANNG point of view has just disintegrated.”