Working group formed to discuss if a disposal facility for radioactive waste near Mablethorpe is feasible
Theddlethorpe GDF Working Group has been established Lincolnshire this afternoon
This afternoon a working group has formed to discuss the possibility of geological disposal of radioactive waste near Mablethorpe.
The former Theddlethorpe gas terminal is the initial focus for potential plans for facilities to be put underground to enable the safe disposal of radioactive waste.
The aim of the group is to discover if it would work in the area and whether it would provide benefits as well as finding out the thoughts of locals.
The group says it can be an emotive topic and its there to make sure people have access to all the information they need and can raise any concerns too.
It also says any decisions about whether to support a development will be much later following more detailed engagement through a Community Partnership and will need explicit community support.
Jon Collins, independent Chair of the Theddlethorpe GDF Working Group, said:
“The GDF is a project of national importance and it’s unique in that it can only proceed with two things - a suitable site and a willing community”.
Jon Collins was previously leader of Nottingham City Council. He added: “It’s an emotive and complex topic and I’m committed to making sure people have access to information and that their voices are heard. I’m not here to say that a GDF is the right or wrong thing for this area, I’m here to ensure that people in the area around Theddlethorpe not only have access to information but can raise their issues and concerns. Throughout my time on the council I worked to ensure that local people knew about and then had the chance to decide what happened where they lived. As independent Chair I see it as my role to support the start of a long-term process that can make sure the same happens here."
The Working Group has three main jobs to do. Firstly, it will start the conversation with local communities about what the GDF siting process involves.
Secondly it will identify a Search Area, which will be the area within which RWM could subsequently undertake feasibility studies.
The final task is to set up the longer-term partnership of local authorities, local organisations, community groups and RWM, called a Community Partnership.
The Working Group members include independent Chair Jon Collins, an independent facilitator, Lincolnshire County Council, Theddlethorpe Parish Council and Radioactive Waste Management (RWM - a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority). East Lindsey District Council has also been invited to join the group and is currently considering this.
The Working Group will now start a programme of engagement with local people. It has a website (https://theddlethorpe.workinginpartnership.org.uk ), with information about the GDF project, details of local engagement events and how to get in touch.
Information leaflets will be sent to local households in the coming days and a programme of walk-in meetings with the Working Group team will start from 27th October.