A farmer who is blocking a new generation nuclear power station which is set to be built on his land next to Wylfa on Anglesey, has received support from locals at a rally. Dairy farmer Richard Jones has said that if he were to lose any of the land at Caerdegog near Llanfechell, which his family have farmed for over 300 years, his business would no longer be viable.

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Horizon Nuclear Powers, the developers of the Wylfa B power station, had already bought 570 acres of land on the island and were looking at buying 160 more, including 65 acres of Mr Jones’ land and 20 acres he rents, in September last year, when he refused to sell stating that losing any more land would make his business unviable.  

The company has been trying to purchase the land since summer 2011, but Mr Jones told the BBC, "We've been here for so long there isn't a price in the world they could offer that could buy Caerdegog." Horizon has since threatened to use a compulsory purchase order. The site, one of eight identified by the government for new nuclear power stations to be built by 2025, was confirmed in June.

Over the weekend, more than 200 people turned out to support the Jones family in their ongoing struggle. Mr Jones rebutted Horizon’s overtures that its project would secure future jobs for the island’s younger residents, who are leaving for cities, as there are no jobs our resources to support them on the island. Whilst this flight is a problem throughout rural regions, Mr Jones questioned Horizon’s proposed remedy; he said, “I realise people need jobs but at what cost? I can’t understand why they need so much land.”

A spokesperson for Horizon has said the company has listened to Mr Jones and his family and is re-examining the matter in great detail. However, Mr Jones said the company was still interested in his land, despite recent statements which could suggest it was reconsidering. He maintained that he would continue to refuse any offers.

The weekend rally was organised by local pressure group People Agains Wylfa B (PAWB) and featured speakers from Greenpeace.

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