A noise from Heysham power stations "sounding like a runaway steam train" which disturbed residents on Saturday has been explained.
EDF, owners of Heysham 1 and 2, said the loud noise which could be heard for several hours was due to a reactor being brought back online.
One resident posted on Facebook that the noise was "very loud and scary" and another said it "sounded like a runaway steam train in the sky".
Councillor Phil Bradley, who represents Heysham South on Lancaster City Council, contacted Beyond Radio about the steam-like noise, which could be heard in parts of Morecambe and even as far away as Lancaster.
Councillor Bradley said he'd gone to the power stations to investigate and been told it was "nothing to worry about".
An EDF spokesperson said: "During the start-up of one of the units at Heysham 2 a steam system caused some noise. This is unlikely to reoccur as the unit returns to service and we would like to give reassurance to local residents that there is no cause for concern.”
In an unrelated incident, Heysham 1 has been taken offline while investigations are carried out on a steam valve failure.
"Following the failure of part of a steam valve in the Heysham 1 boiler pipework, EDF has taken a proactive decision to temporarily take the station offline, as well as its ‘sister station’ at Hartlepool that has the same valve design," said the spokesperson.
"This enables engineers to safely conduct inspections and for us to find a solution with the valve manufacturers. The work is expected to take a few weeks to resolve."
Engineers will investigate the relevant valve and this can only be done when the reactors are offline and the boilers are not being used to produce steam.
The steam system in these nuclear power stations is similar to conventional power stations and the issue is unrelated to nuclear safety, said EDF.
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
Mayor of Lancaster launches children's Christmas card competition
Councillor loses her seat for not attending meetings for six months
Firefighters attend two call-outs for vehicle fires in Lancaster area
Lancaster youth charity announces new CEO
LISTEN: Lancaster singer-songwriter tells how music saved her life
