IT WAS disturbing to read about the "dumping of radioactive waste on our doorsteps" and sites in North Yorkshire being considered as nuclear waste "dustbins" (Radioactive waste list sparks fear, July 29).

This sounds very emotive and one must question whether it helps in the debate about how electrical energy should be generated in the future.

There is a vast range of waste from nuclear facilities in terms of emission and risk to the public. Low- and intermediate-level wastes are not "dumped" but are placed in appropriately-engineered containment at carefully chosen sites.

High level wastes, although relatively small in quantity, are more problematical and require careful management and permanent disposal in a modified form and at geologically/ hydrologically stable locations, probably deep underground.

We must be realistic about our energy future.

The decommissioning of both nuclear- and coal-fired generating stations over the next ten years could leave a gap in capacity which unreliable renewable power, such as wind, will not fill.

Please let us have an informed debate based on hard facts and not emotive sound-bites.

David Randon,

Blue Slates Close,

Wheldrake, York.

Updated: 09:44 Tuesday, August 02, 2005