I’m writing with reference to the latest excuses from nPower as to why the demolition of the Didcot A cooling towers must take place at the anti-social hour of 3am.

It has been suggested that both the police and National Rail “requested” that the demolition take place at this time for reasons of public safety.

I would firstly point out that the cooling towers are the property of nPower – the decision over how and when to destroy them is entirely theirs. The police and National Rail clearly have their views and will have made suggestions, but the decision is solely in the hands of nPower.

With regards to the public safety, while this is a genuine concern, it is one which can be properly addressed.

I’m sure that overall this operation is costing a few million pounds.

Is it really beyond the resources of nPower to spend a few thousand pounds on temporary fencing along the rail line to protect the tracks from rubble? Is it really beyond the ability of nPower to plan the demolition to within a window of 10 minutes, hold the event at say 9.30pm (while it is still light) when traffic on the local roads is light, and to have the police stop the traffic for those few, short minutes?

NPower have profited enormously from Didcot Power Station over the years – it is really rather disgraceful that they now hide behind Health and Safety legislation to prevent the local community taking part in this major spectacle.

I no longer buy my electricity from nPower. Perhaps current customers of nPower should consider switching their supplier to demonstrate to nPower that the local community deserves a little more consideration from them.

Lee Upcraft, Clapcot Way, Wallingford

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