The Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC) have joined the Allerdale GDF Working Group.
The Working Group was formed in January to explore the potential for Allerdale to host a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) to permanently dispose of the UKs higher-activity nuclear waste deep underground.
Geological disposal is one of the UK’s largest ever environmental protection projects, which will provide a safe and secure long-term solution for the disposal of higher activity radioactive waste and could create investment and jobs over many generations.
CALC have joined the Working Group at a key stage in the process, ahead of a series of face-to-face community events which will be held across Allerdale as Covid lockdown restrictions are eased, and as the Group considers a possible potential search area for a GDF.
The Group is independently Chaired by Jocelyn Manners-Armstrong and other members include Councillor Marion Fitzgerald, representing Allerdale Borough Council, Eva Chua, representing Radioactive Waste Management Ltd (RWM) and Andy Ross, representing Genr8North Ltd.
On welcoming CALC to the Group Jocelyn-Manners Armstrong said: “When I first agreed to join and Chair the Working Group earlier this year, I set out with the intention to have as many conversations as possible with the people of Allerdale to hear their views on one of the UK’s most challenging, nationally significant infrastructure projects. The welcome addition of CALC to the Working Group will now help us further our reach to all corners of Allerdale, through the parish and town councils”.
Mary Bradley, Working Group representative for CALC said: “We’ve been talking with the Working Group for a while now and have been progressively involved in discussions about their engagement plans – so it makes perfect sense to be part of the Group as it begins to engage with communities all over Allerdale. We are looking forward to working with the Group and helping to ensure information about this controversial but exciting project is made available through the grass roots parish and town councils who represent the many people and communities of Allerdale”.
Anyone who would like to share views or concerns or learn more about Geological Disposal and the Allerdale GDF Working Group can get in touch through their website, where they will also find a range of information and digital resources, including an interactive Virtual Exhibition.
A programme of community drop-ins is planned at venues across Allerdale throughout July and August, details of which will be announced soon.
Mary Bradley – Executive Member – Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC)