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Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt today signed an agreement with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, local authorities and the Northwest Development Agency to safeguard West Cumbria's economic prosperity.

Job levels in West Cumbriain the nuclear industry are predicted to decline as commercial activities at Sellafield are reduced, although nuclear cleanup will provide some new opportunities in the area.

The agreement was signed at the first meeting of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum, which has been set up to ensure that all the bodies involved with regeneration in West Cumbria work together to meet the needs of the area.

Chairing the first meeting, Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt said:

"The Government and our partners are fully committed to bringing social and economic benefits to West Cumbria and other communities near nuclear sites.

"There is a world-class skills base in Cumbria that we want to retain and enhance.   People in Cumbria want high-value jobs and opportunities, and we will work to ensure that those new opportunities are created in Cumbria.”

The Forum was set up to consider the economic impact of nuclear decommissioning and cleanup at Sellafield, and to create a sustainable economy for West Cumbria.   It will meet twice yearly and will alternate between London and Cumbria.

Under the Energy Act 2004 the NDA has to support activities that benefit the social or economic life of communities living near nuclear sites, or improve the environment.

Ms. Hewitt also announced that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) will be based at Westlakes Science and Technology Parkat Moor Row, near Whitehaven, in West Cumbriawhen the NDA becomes fully operational next April.

Ms. Hewitt added:

"The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's decision to locate in Cumbria will be a boost to the area, and will capitalise on the expertise which already exists in West Cumbria."

The Chair of the NDA, Sir Anthony Cleaver, said:

"I see the Strategic Forum as an excellent example of how we can work with others to address the current and future concerns of local stakeholders. Today is doubly exciting for the NDA as the staff who are building the organisation are moving in to our temporary Cumbrian offices. In the last few days we have also confirmed our commitment to leasing Galemire Courtat Westlakes Science Parkas our permanent base.

"We at the NDA are dedicated to working with colleagues in the North Westand across Government to secure the best future for Cumbrians."

The delegation from Cumbriawas jointly led by the three local council leaders Tim Stoddard, Cumbria County Council, Elaine Woodburn, Copeland Borough Council and Jim Musgrave, Allerdale Borough Council.

They say:

"The agreement reached today is crucial in safeguarding the economic future of West Cumbria. Rebuilding economic activity from its heavy reliance on the nuclear industry will not be an easy task. We have worked hard to enlist the support of Government both in securing the NDA for West Cumbriaand reaching today's agreement. That working relationship will continue to grow over the forthcoming months and years.

"Much needs to be done. The commitment to the area shown by the Government and all the partners involved in the West Cumbria Strategic Forum is vital in attracting new jobs and new industry."

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said:

"The NWDA recognises West Cumbria as a regional and national priority for economic regeneration and the establishment of the taskforce is part of ongoing Agency support for the area.

"The RDA is committed to ensuring that growth opportunities continue to be generated for the important nuclear sector in West Cumbria, following the new focus on decommissioning. Although the industry is facing a period of major transition, there are significant economic and commercial opportunities which must be exploited.

"We have a world-class workforce in this sector that must be retained and enhanced and today marks the beginning of a deep commitment by ourselves and our partners to build on this reputation, providing the focus required to move the industry forward."

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