South Copeland GDF Community Partnership has appointed Ged McGrath as its new chairman.
The partnership was set up in December to take forward talks about whether South Copeland could be the right place to host an underground facility for nuclear waste.
The search area for the Geological Disposal Facility – known as a GDF – includes the borough electoral wards of Millom and Black Combe and Scafell and its role includes providing information for local people, helping with community discussions, questions and concerns.
Mr McGrath has lived in South Copeland for 20 years, previously owning Millom Post Office, being elected as a local councillor, and running a tourism business.
He is currently chair of governors for Thwaites Primary School in Millom and vice chair at Mayfield School in Whitehaven, as well as chair for a number of local community groups in Millom.
Mr McGrath said: “It’s crucially important that residents in the search area understand that they make the decision as to whether or not they want a Geological Disposal Facility, and the community partnership’s role is to ensure that the community has all of the relevant information that they need about the process.
“We’ll now look to develop our membership so that it is reflective of the local community, plan a programme of activities, share information and engage with the community about the potential to host a GDF, and advise on how groups can apply for Community Investment Funding as we continue to explore the subject with the public.
“I am looking forward to meeting with people in the local community and listening to their views, and in the meantime, I encourage anyone who has questions or comments to get in touch.”
The community partnership has initial membership which includes Copeland Borough Council, the GDF developer, Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC) and local borough and parish councillors.
A GDF requires a suitable site and a willing community. Deep geology beyond the coast is being considered for siting the underground elements of a GDF.
This means a surface facility on, or near, the coast would provide access to a disposal area deep in rock beyond the coast. If a suitable site is found in Copeland – a decision which could take 10 to 15 years – a Test of Public Support to give people a direct say would be held with those living in the wards affected. Without public support the project would not go ahead.
