People in Copeland are invited to a series of events to discuss what a geological disposal facility could mean for the area.
Known as a GDF, it is an underground facility designed to safely and securely dispose of higher activity radioactive waste.
Copeland GDF Working Group is holding a series of pop-up events over the next few weeks to continue the conversation.
Members of the community are invited to drop-in and have a chat with the local community engagement team, pick up a leaflet, ask a question or share views. The informal events will take place in different areas of Copeland – limited to small numbers to ensure COVID-safety and will operate within Government guidance.
They will be followed by a larger exhibition roadshow which the Working Group plans to run during September.
Gillian Johnston, Copeland Working Group’s community engagement manager, said: “We’re looking forward to being able to speak face to face with people about what geological disposal could mean for Copeland. The Working Group is here to help inform people about GDF, listen to views and answer any questions people may have.
“Come along and have a chat with the local team.”
The drop-ins are being held in the following locations:
- July 22 Cleator Moor Town Council offices, Market Square, 10am-3pm
- July 28 Thwaites Village Hall, 10am-3pm
- July 30 Cumbria Traders’ Day Market, St Nicholas’ Gardens, Whitehaven, 9.30-3pm
- August 5 Egremont Meeting Place, Methodist Church, 10am-3pm
- August 11 Seascale Library, 10am-3pm
- August 20 Millom Conservative & Unionist Club, Lapstone Road, 10am-3pm
- August 24 Former Belvoir shop, King Street, Whitehaven, 10am-3pm
The larger exhibitions are set to take place from September 1 to September 17 around Copeland and will feature information boards, interactive activities and experts in different subjects to help answer questions.
As part of the process to find a site for a GDF in England or Wales, a Working Group was formed in Copeland last November.
It has three main tasks – begin to understand community issues, examine any concerns and questions the public has about a GDF; identify a search area or areas within Copeland and recruit initial members for a Community Partnership which could take that work forward.
Construction of a GDF facility is based on consent – which means there must be a suitable site and a willing community in order to proceed.
The Working Group is available to speak to groups, help to answer questions and provide information. Email gdfinfo-copeland@nda.gov.uk or call 0300 369 0000.
For more information, visit www.copeland.workinginpartnership.org.uk where you can also sign up for a monthly newsletter.
