Plans for a new power station are at the "core" of Copeland's growth plans, a high-profile nuclear conference has heard.

Mike Starkie, Copeland's mayor, said the borough council gives a "warm welcome in principle" to the proposed three-reactor Moorside plant, on land next to Sellafield.

He added: "It will provide a significant investment in the borough and lead to many jobs, both temporary during construction and permanently through the operation of the power station and the supporting supply chain."

Mr Starkie was speaking to launch the annual New Nuclear Local Authorities Group (NNLAG) Conference, hosted this year by Copeland and held at Summergrove Halls.

Running until today (Friday) and chaired by Suffolk Coastal District Council's deputy leader Geoff Holdcroft, it involves representatives from 15 local authorities across the UK that are affected by the nuclear industry gathering to share knowledge and best practice.

Reflecting on the "boom and bust" legacy of nuclear new-build locally in the 1980s, Mr Starkie said: "It was an exciting time, but as quickly as it started, it all abruptly ended.

"The community absolutely demands that this time we get it right; that there is a lasting legacy of growth and opportunity for generations to come.

"That new industries are spawned, that people are re-trained, that buildings are maintained and enhanced, that infrastructure is provided in advance of the development and kept to a high standard, and that Copeland continues to be an attractive place to live, work and visit."

On hosting the conference for the second time, Copeland's managing director Pat Graham said: "We are active supporters of NNLAG and we welcome the opportunity to share learning, make contacts and showcase this area's unique credentials as the Centre of Nuclear Excellence."

Also speaking at the conference was Gary Shuttleworth, the corporate affairs director with Moorside's developer, NuGen, who outlined the project's progress. See tomorrow's News & Star for more.