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 (GDF).
The GDF developer is exploring if a Search Area made up of the electoral wards of Millom and Black Combe & Scafell could be a suitable and willing location to host a GDF 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 Community 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 10-15 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 Community Partnership members that would be able to join them from the following sectors of the community:
- Agriculture
- Business
- Landscape & Environment
- Tourism
- Seldom heard
- Youth
The Partnership would like to hear from people aged 18 or over with experience in these sectors and knowledge of the Search Area to help create a Community Partnership that is diverse, inclusive and reflective of the local community.
The Chair of South Copeland GDF Community Partnership, Ged McGrath, said: “Our group is committed to the local area and we are determined to develop a Community 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 about the Community Partnership and role of members can be found in the Recruitment Pack available on the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership website: southcopeland.workinginpartnership.org.uk/get-involved/join-us/ or by calling 0300 369 0000.
Applications can be made online here.
The closing date for applications is Friday 7th October at 5pm.