The plant reprocesses spent nuclear fuel into a new product

The fuel, for the Swiss power firm, NOK, will not now leave west Cumbria until 2004.

But BNFL has denied reports that the delay could lead to a loss of contracts.

The Mox (mixed oxide) plant turns nuclear fuel already "burnt" in a reactor into a new fuel source, but creates new waste.

Campaign group Cumbrians Opposed to a Radioactive Environment (Core), says the news could put future Mox reprocessing contracts in question.

But although British Nuclear Fuels admits delivery dates have slipped, it says customers have known for months about the delay and understand why.

BNFL says delays pose no threat to the economic viability of the Mox plant or its contact.