The South Copeland GDF Community Partnership is looking for new members to help take forward the conversation with the local community about whether South Copeland could be the right place to build a Geological Disposal Facility.
Its developer is exploring if a search area made up of the electoral wards of Millom and Black Combe and Scafell could be a suitable and willing location to host a facility for the UK’s higher-activity radioactive waste.
Formed in December 2021, the community partnership’s role includes facilitating discussions between the community and the GDF developer and ensuring that the community has the relevant information it needs when considering the possibility of hosting a GDF.
Members of the partnership will work to ensure that people in the search area have continued opportunities to engage with the GDF developer, be involved in the discussion and have their questions answered.
If a suitable site were to be found in South Copeland – a decision which could take 10 to 15 years – a Test of Public Support to give people a direct say would be held. Without public support the project would not go ahead.
The partnership is currently seeking new members that would be able to join them from the following sectors of the community:
- Agriculture
- Business
- Landscape and environment
- Tourism
It also wants to hear from young people and those who feel they do not often have a voice in discussions.
Ged McGrath, partnership chair, said: “Our group is committed to the local area and we are determined to develop a Partnership which is reflective of our community.
“A GDF is a major infrastructure project which has the potential to have a significant impact, and it’s therefore crucial that everybody within the search area has an opportunity to get answers to their questions and be involved in the discussion. We encourage applications from anyone who is interested in joining us that is over the age of 18, lives in the search area and can help represent their sector or group.”
More information can be found at southcopeland.workinginpartnership.org.uk/get-involved/join-us/ or by calling 0300 369 0000.
