Details of the routes nuclear waste trains take through Lewisham will become classified information under the Government's proposed Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Bill.

Since the start of the GLA's investigation into nuclear waste trains, earlier this year, the News Shopper has printed details of the deadly-cargo's route through the borough.

Trains carrying spent nuclear fuel regularly travel through densely populated areas including Hither Green, Lewisham and Chislehurst on their way to the Sellafield reprocessing plant.

But clause 79 of the new Bill prohibits disclosures in relation to nuclear security, including prejudicing the security of any nuclear site or material including material being transported to or from sites.

The new law is expected to be passed within two weeks and offences are punishable with up to seven years' imprisonment.

Greenpeace is campaigning against the proposed bill.

Its UK executive director Stephen Tindale said: "Letting people know about the secretive and dangerous goings-on of the nuclear industry is a public service.

"We all have a right to know what happens at Britain's crumbling nuclear plants or about the radioactive waste being quietly transported past our homes."

The enquiry, launched in March as a result of public concern, was chaired by GLA Green leader Darren Johnson.

He believes if the bill had already been in force, only a fraction of the evidence would have come to light.

Mr Johnson said: "Everyone in Lewisham and Bromley has a right to know about the trains.

"I can understand security surrounding the exact times but a ban on any discussion of routes would be utterly ridiculous.

"I'm going to make sure copies of the report are available and I will happily defy any law on that if it comes to it."

November 26, 2001 17:00