A series of talks will be held for the public to ask important questions about nuclear waste disposal.

Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership is holding a series of events to talk about what a Geological Disposal Facility could mean - with experts answering questions on the subjects which matter most to local people.

Following feedback from three weeks of drop-ins held in March, these larger-scale events will focus on the areas people said they would like to hear more about – including geology, the GDF siting process and Community Investment Funding.

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Gillian Johnston, community engagement manager for the Community Partnership, said: "We had really good discussions with people during those three weeks which included many different subject areas.

"People asked us questions, brought some concerns and also spoke about the opportunities.

"We also asked people what particular areas they wanted to hear more about - to continue those discussions.

"Among those was the suitability of the local geology, what would happen during the siting process and the £1million Community Investment Funding.

"At these upcoming events we will have people who can answer further questions and have some more in-depth discussions, so please come along."

The events are as follows:

  • Tuesday, May 17: Drigg and Carleton Village Hall, 10-6pm
  • Wednesday, May 18: Beckermet Reading Rooms, 12-5pm
  • Thursday, May 19: Seascale Golf Club, 12-7pm
  • Friday, May 20: Gosforth Public Hall, 12-6pm
  • Saturday, May 21: Thornhill Social Club, 10am-3pm

Deep geology beyond the coast is being considered for siting the underground elements of a GDF. This means a surface facility on, or near, the coast would provide access to a disposal area deep in rock beyond the coast.

If a suitable site is found in Copeland – a process which could take 10-15 years – a decision to develop a GDF in Mid Copeland could not be taken until the community in the electoral wards directly affected has had a say.

For further information on the events, click here.

READ MORE: Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership announces funding for projects