A series of drop-in sessions are to be held for residents interested in the possibility of building a nuclear waste storage facility in Allerdale.
The Allerdale GDF Working Group has announced a series of dates for community drop-ins due to take place across Allerdale throughout July and August.
The working group formed in January to start a conversation with the community about whether Allerdale is the right place to build a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) to permanently dispose of the UK’s higher activity radioactive waste, and with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions expected on July 19, they have now been able to plan a series of face-to-face drop-in sessions to listen to the views of the community.
Geological disposal would 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.
Over the past six months, the working group has engaged with the community largely through their digital channels and e-newsletter, but these drop-ins will now provide a safe space for people to have real-life conversations about what a GDF could mean for Allerdale, and find out whatever information they need to take part in the discussion.
As well as the opportunity to ask questions and share opinions with working group members, there will also be a range of learning resources to help people of all ages explore the science behind a GDF and see what the facility could look like and how it might work.
The orking Group, who are neither for nor against building a GDF in Allerdale, is independently chaired by Jocelyn Manners-Armstrong, and members include local representatives from Allerdale Borough Council, Radioactive Waste Management Ltd (RWM), Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC), and Genr8North Ltd – the interested party that came forward and asked for Allerdale to be considered as a potential location.
Eva Chua, the group’s community engagement manager said: “Launching the working group in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, but I’m really pleased we can now get out into the community to have as many conversations as possible and understand what local people want for their future.
“Their views are important to us. We are here to listen and to provide information to encourage the community of Allerdale to take part in the discussion about GDF and what it could mean for the community. We want to invite everyone to come along to a drop-in near them and tell us what they think”.
The first of 12 community drop-ins is due to take place at Thursby Village Hall on July 22 and all sessions will be subject to any COVID-19 restrictions which may be in place at the time.
Further information, including the full programme of drop-in sessions, can be found on the website.
· Thursday, July 22, 10.30am–6pm, Thursby Village Hall, CA5 6PQ
· Friday, July 23, 10am–6pm, Wigton Market Hall, CA7 9AA
· Saturday, July 24, 10.30am–6pm, Bothel Village Hall, CA7 2HL
· Thursday, August 5, 10.30am–6pm, Crosscanonby Community Centre, CA15 6SQ
· Friday, August 6, 10.30am–6pm, Gilcrux Village Hall, CA7 2QD
· Saturday, August 7, 10am–5.30pm, The Wave, Maryport, CA15 8AD
· Thursday, August 12, 10.30am–6pm, Blindcrake Village Hall, CA13 0QH
· Friday, August 13, 10.30am–6pm, Broughton Village Hall, CA13 0NE
· Saturday, August 14, 10am–4.30pm, United Reformed Church, Cockermouth, CA13 9LU
· Thursday, August 19, 10am–4pm, Seaton Village Hall, CA14 1PL
· Friday, August 20, 10am–6pm, Northside Community Centre, CA14 1AX
· Saturday, August 21, 10.30am–5pm, Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre, CA14 2BD
Anyone who is not able to attend a drop-in but would like to ask questions or share views is encouraged to contact the group through its website where they can also access a range of digital resources, including an interactive virtual exhibition.
