Wylfa is due to reach the end of its lifespan by 2010

Wylfa, the island's existing nuclear power station, is due to close in 2010.

A recent report has warned that when it shuts, the nearby Anglesey Aluminium plant will also close, with the combined loss of 1500 jobs

The council voted to back the idea of a new station on the site near Cemaes, if the UK Government decide to build a new generation of nuclear power stations.

But the original motion to the council meeting on Thursday was changed and therefore there was no mention of a call to extend the life of the present station.

Members voted by 19 to 13 in support of a new nuclear power station on Anglesey in the future.

This is a crucial vote, as the future economy of Anglesey is at stake WJ Williams, Anglesey Council

The council's deputy leader Gareth Winston Roberts said a new plant at Wylfa was vital to the economic well-being of the island.

But a number of councillors argued it was too early for the council to take a stand on the issue, which they said could split the island.

Council leader WJ Williams and Mr Roberts are among seven councillors who had previously said they would back the proposals.

Mr Williams said: "We must stand united and deliver a clear message to both the UK Government and Welsh Assembly Government that we need a new power plant for the island and that Wylfa must remain open beyond the projected closure date of 2010."

Report on impact

Mr Roberts said: "Wylfa is central to safeguarding key jobs in the private sector and securing additional employment opportunities which will ensure our young people have a prosperous future here on Anglesey."

Welsh Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies has asked the UK Government to examine the possibility of keeping Wylfa open beyond 2010, although the assembly government opposes any new nuclear facilities in Wales.

Last month, a report commissioned by Anglesey County Council, the Welsh Assembly Government, Wylfa and Anglesey Aluminium, said that when Wylfa closes, it would have a major impact on the island's economy.

The report warned that the nearby Anglesey Aluminium works, which is supplied with cheap electricity by Wylfa, would also close.

The power station and the aluminium smelting works are two of the biggest employers on Anglesey, providing nearly one in 10 jobs.