Welcome to the ninth printed newsletter from the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership.
As I introduce this newsletter, I’m reflecting on the important steps we have started to make in understanding a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) and the siting process since the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership launched in December 2021.
Deciding whether to host a GDF containing the UK’s most hazardous radioactive waste is a significant decision, and if a suitable site is found here, it is one that the Potential Host Community will be asked to make through a Test of Public Support. A GDF can only go ahead if a suitable site and a willing community are found.
To make an informed choice, our community needs access to information on what a GDF could mean for them. Through this next stage in the siting process – the identification of Areas of Focus (page 4) – the GDF developer, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), will be able to focus site evaluation studies, such as transport and environmental surveys, and the site characterisation work needed to consider the potential for the area to safely host a GDF.
The Community Partnership’s Annual Review, which will be published on our website in April, highlights the Community Partnership’s activities in 2024, including understanding the community’s information needs through community surveys and enquiries. We received around 400 individual responses to our Community Visioning questionnaires (see page 14), and a total of £3 million Community Investment Funding (CIF) has been awarded to meaningful projects that benefit local people in South Copeland (page 9). Whether a GDF is located here or not, I am pleased to see this funding making a positive difference to our community.
It is also important to reflect on the challenges that the Community Partnership has faced and consider how we can move forward in a positive and collaborative way. Towards the end of 2024, Millom Town Council made the GDF Community Partnership decision to withdraw from the Community Partnership. An external review is taking place to ensure that Millom Town Council’s views are considered.
Despite the differences in opinion that such a subject matter can bring, our aim is to assist everyone in the local community through the GDF process, whatever their views, and we will seek out and share information, discuss concerns and find answers to questions the community has about all aspects of the GDF.
Finally, I must share that this will be my last newsletter as Chair of this Community Partnership, as my two-year term draws to a close in March. It has been an honour to serve in this role, working alongside community members, the dedicated local team at NWS, and an engaged community.
Thank you for your ongoing interest and involvement in this important discussion.
Warm regards,
Ged McGrath
Chair, South Copeland GDF Community Partnership
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