A student has become the latest member of the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership.
Lucas Wirga, 20, is from the Workington area and is currently studying natural sciences at Durham University. He joined the partnership following its recent recruitment drive.
His role will involve supporting the partnership to broaden discussions with local people about the possibility of hosting a Geological Disposal Facility, known as a GDF in the area.
A GDF is designed to safely and securely dispose of ‘higher activity’ radioactive waste, deep underground.
The Allerdale GDF Community Partnership looks at the possibilities of hosting a GDF within an identified Search Area and engage with the community, sharing information, listening to views and distributing community investment funding.
Lucas said: “I recognised the importance of the issue of GDF when I received a leaflet in the post about the GDF programme earlier this year. I wanted to join partnership to bring together experts and the community to ensure the correct knowledge is being communicated, and to create a level of transparency in the Allerdale community.
“I am proud of the area and would love Allerdale to become an area of economic potential, an area which people aspire to move to for work; a community which embraces innovation and sustainable practises, ensuring a bright and prosperous future. GDF has the potential to play an important role in that.”
Partnership chair Mary Bradley said: “As a group we are passionate about the local area and are determined to continue building a strong partnership that is reflective of our community.
“In our last recruitment drive we were particularly interested to hear from people aged 18 to 30 and were thrilled to receive Lucas’ application. Lucas brings a fresh outlook and great energy to the Partnership, and we look forward to his contributions in the coming months.”
Roy Hobson has also recently joined the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership, taking its total membership to 11.
