PROPOSALS that could see a geological disposal facility for nuclear waste in Cumbria have taken a step forward.

The Copeland GDF Working Group is asking local people for their views on where in the borough could be suitable for the disposal of higher activity radioactive waste.

The working group have begun work to identify possible locations in Copeland - including the area off the coast.

Formed in November, the GDF working group has already started engaging with locals and providing a range of information.

One of its primary tasks is to identify a search area (or areas) that could be considered further by a community partnership.

It will do so by taking into account a range of published information and the views of local people.

Mark Cullinan, Independent Chair of the Copeland GDF Working Group, said: “We’ve begun work to look at where to start.

"We already have a range of information about the wider Copeland area, but we would like to gather more and it’s really important that we hear the views of local people as we do this.

“As the Search Area (or Areas) are identified, the views from local people will be used to inform the Working Group.

"The Working Group will look at all feedback alongside the gathered information we have about the Copeland area.

"We welcome local views and I would encourage people to look at the information we’ve made available on our website and to get in touch to let us know what they think.”

Views can be shared by contacting the Working Group. Details of how to do so are on the group's website.

The Working Group has a range of information about the GDF project, including a set of Initial Evaluation Reports which were produced by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM).

The reports concluded there may be potential to host a GDF in Copeland and the adjacent inshore area.

The area within the current or proposed future boundaries of the Lake District National Park has already been excluded.

Barnaby Hudson, RWM Siting Manager, added:The identified Search Areas are a starting point in the GDF siting journey, which is envisaged to take several years."