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Series of meetings to be held to explain why Nuclear Waste Services has Lincolnshire site on its shortlist




A series of meetings are planned to explain why a Lincolnshire site remains on the list of potential places to store nuclear waste.

Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has officially outlined three areas that it could use - one being east Lincolnshire with the others in Mid Copeland and South Copeland in Cumbria.

These are classed as 'areas of focus', allowing for more in-depth studies and investigations to help experts assess whether an area can safely and securely host a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).

Sites in Cumbria and east Lincolnshire have been identified. Image: NWS
Sites in Cumbria and east Lincolnshire have been identified. Image: NWS

The Lincolnshire site is in the Theddlethorpe area in East Lindsey, located north of the A157, south-west of Gayton Wind Farm, and between the villages of Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton.

The sub-surface area of focus, located off the coast, lies under the seabed in the inshore area extending 22km from the coast. Identifying these areas enables NWS to focus site evaluation studies, such as transport and environmental surveys, and the site characterisation work needed to assess whether an area can safely host a GDF.

The government agency has insisted that the three areas were identified using a range of information, including geological data, areas of environmental protection, and the location of built-up areas.

It has also stressed that identifying areas of focus does not mean a GDF will be built in these locations, adding that construction will only begin once a suitable site is confirmed, a potential host community has agreed to host the facility and all necessary consents and permits have been secured.

“NWS is delivering a GDF as the safe, secure, and long-term solution for the most hazardous radioactive waste," said chief executive officer Corhyn Parr.

"We are making real progress, and establishing these areas of focus will direct our investigations to help us determine the potential suitability of a specific area, with on-the-ground surveys, further desk studies, and engagement with landowners.

“A GDF requires a suitable site and a willing community and will only be developed when both are in place. We will continue our engagement with local people and stakeholders and will be holding events in local communities to talk about what this means for each area.”

NWS explained that three key elements are needed: the right sub-surface geological environment deep underground, a suitable surface location, and the ability to connect the two areas with accessways.

NWS is hosting a series of webinars and drop-in events to explain the areas of focus. They are as follows:

Monday February 3: Gayton le Marsh Village Hall 3pm - 7pm

Tuesday February 4: Strubby, Beesby & Maltby Village Hall 3pm - 7pm

Wednesday February 5: Great Carlton Village Hall 3pm - 7pm

Friday February 14: Withern Village Hall 3pm - 7pm

Saturday February 15: Theddlethorpe Village Hall 12pm - 3.30pm

Sunday February 16: Legbourne Village Hall 12pm - 3.30pm

Thursday February 20: Grimoldby & Manby Village Hall 3pm – 7pm

Friday February 21: Louth Town Football Club, Saltfleetby 3pm – 7pm



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