A NEW group has joined a working group exploring the possibility of a nuclear waste disposal site in Cumbria.

The Cumbria Association of Local Councils is now working with the Allerdale GDF Working Group, which is exploring Allerdale's potential to host a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) to permanently dispose of the UKs UK’s higher-activity radioactive waste deep underground.

CALC have joined the Working Group at a key stage in the process, ahead of a series of face-to-face community events which will be held across Allerdale as the group considers a possible church area for a GDF.

The working group's chairman, Joceylun Manners-Armstrong, said: "When I first agreed to join and Chair the Working Group earlier this year, I set out with the intention to have as many conversations as possible with the people of Allerdale to hear their views on one of the UK’s most challenging, nationally significant infrastructure projects. The welcome addition of CALC to the Working Group will now help us further our reach to all corners of Allerdale, through the parish and town councils."

Mary Bradley, Working Group representative for CALC said: “We’ve been talking with the Working Group for a while now and have been progressively involved in discussions about their engagement plans – so it makes perfect sense to be part of the Group as it begins to engage with communities all over Allerdale.

"We are looking forward to working with the Group and helping to ensure information about this controversial but exciting project is made available through the grass roots parish and town councils who represent the many people and communities of Allerdale."