RECENTLY it was reported that the Nuclear Reactor Hunterston B in Ayrshire was showing signs of cracking in two of the 3000 Graphite core bricks.

Some degradation of the facility is expected with age and careful monitoring of the condition ensures that safety is not a concern.

Monitoring is however not an easy job.

The hostile environment of a nuclear reactor requires special devices which can carry out maintenance and position sensors and cameras in extreme conditions.

Every type of task will have unique challenges, with innovative engineering solutions required.

The skills for this are found in Warrington.

A tour of selected development areas at AMEC with the Birchwood Forum this week was an incredible experience.

Cutting edge technology there is being honed to deal with the ageing nuclear reactors of the UK. It was reassuring to see how much resource is being dedicated to keeping us all safe.

Some of the best engineering minds in the country are being applied.

Somerset may be a focus for these people in the future. Hinkley Point, which has been the focus of EU attention shows clearly how Nuclear is still important to the UK.

And Warrington will be crucial in keeping the lights on.

LAWRENCE Bellamy is associate dean at the University of Chester and writes a regular column for the business pages.