RESIDENTS fed up with a nuclear shipyard’s drain on their local economy and history of radioactive leaks will hold a protest on Friday.

Locals will gather outside their local MP and armed forces minister Luke Pollard’s constituency office after raising concerns over Devonport Dockyard with him in writing.

The dockyard maintains Britain’s nuclear submarine fleet and operated by arms company Babcock and has seen at least 10 serious nuclear leaks in the past 30 years, with over 570 litres of radioactive liquid leaking over the period, according to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

CND chairman Tom Unterrainer said: “Plymouth residents want to discuss their legitimate concerns about the safety of living next to a nuclear dockyard, both in terms of radioactive leaks but also being a target in the event of a nuclear war. 

“Instead of sticking to its international obligations to work towards nuclear disarmament, Britain is ploughing ahead with expanding its nuclear arsenal and building a new generation of death machines. 

“This makes the world less safe and increases nuclear risks. Meanwhile, the British public is footing the bill with new rounds of austerity and crumbling services.”

Local resident and CND vice-chairman Tony Staunton said: “We want to meet with the minister to discuss the poor choices being made by our government. Why are we spending so much on weapons of mass destruction when essential public services are underfunded? 

“Tax money pours into Babcock’s privately owned dockyard, but their profits don’t stay in the city.”

Mr Pollard was contacted for comment.

Protesters will also be demonstrating in Plymouth town centre and at the Dockyard on June 7 — calling for investment in peace not nukes.