REPAIR work is still continuing at Suffolk’s nuclear power station following a fault that caused it to be taken off line.

Sizewell B carried out a controlled manual shutdown last month when higher than normal moisture levels were detected in a containment building.

It remains shut down but EDF Energy, which runs the facility, said they are pleased with the progress so far.

The fault related to an electrical heater in the pressuriser for the reactor coolant circuit.

The reactor will return to service once the repair has been completed and when the regulator - the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate - has been satisfied by the activities carried out.

EDF has declined to give an exact date for when the power station will be back on line because of the commercially sensitive nature of the electricity market in which it operates.

Jim Crawford, station director, said: “We have a clear way forward and one that those now working on the project understand very well. Throughout the shutdown and return to service we will be working closely with the regulators.

“I am pleased with the progress we have made so far, and with the support we have had from colleagues in the industry.”

The fault was rated as a level zero on the International Nuclear Event Scale and posed no risk to members of the public.

Representatives from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been on site and together with officials from the Environment Agency are satisfied with Sizewell’s response to the incident.