A PROTEST was held on Friday against a potential Geological Disposal Facility in Copeland.

St Nicholas’ Gardens played host to a drop-in session held by Copeland GDF Working Group on Friday during the Cumbrian Traders Day.

Lakes Against Nuclear Dump, a Radiation Free Lakeland campaign went along to express their views about GDF which they feel is a “scientifically premature deep nuclear dump in Cumbria’s faulted geology.”

Marianne Birkby of Radiation Free Lakeland said: “Many locals stopped to talk to us and we were thanked several times for being there showing resistance.

“The “drop in” for what is terrifyingly billed as “the biggest environmental protection project of our lifetime” purports to be a “conversation” in which people’s view’s and questions are “welcome.” She said: “Campaigners say that their own experience on the day of talking to the team was that opposing views and questions were most definitely not welcome.”

Gillian Johnston, Community Engagement Manager for Copeland GDF Working Group, who was at the traders’ event, said: “We’re holding events around various locations in Copeland to provide an opportunity for local people to understand more about the siting process for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF), ensuring everyone has an opportunity to share their views. All views are welcome, we talked to around 50 people in Whitehaven during the traders’ day about a number of subjects. There was a high level of interest and a range of different views.”

“We are listening to everyone and will continue to do so, having many conversations on what could be the start of a long journey, lasting a number of years.”