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28/11/2006 - New appeal for Cumbrian voices to be heard on structure of radioactive waste body

Cumbria County Council's political leaders are calling for a strong degree of local consultation on how the new implementing body responsible for the disposal of radioactive waste should be run.

In an open letter to the Environment Secretary David Miliband, Conservative Group Leader Jack Richardson, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Joan Stocker and Labour Group Leader Stewart Young have said that it is important that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) should have public confidence when consultation begins on potential sites for the underground storage of intermediate and high level radioactive waste next year.

The Government has already decided that the NDA will implement the national strategy of deep geological disposal for higher level radioactive wastes. The letter to the Environment Secretary asks that the County Council and other local bodies are consulted on the arrangements for the NDA Implementing Body before they are finalised.

"We feel it is very important to the success of the implementation process that there is public confidence from the outset in the implementing body model you have chosen. Accordingly, the structure set up within the NDA to carry out this function needs to secure public and stakeholder confidence and trust," says the letter.

It recommends that the following issues need to be addressed: 

- The implementing body should have a clear identity within the NDA and have the capacity to work in partnership with necessary contractors and communities.

- The drive to accelerate decommissioning and clean-up must not put undue pressure on the timetable for selecting and developing a site or sites

  - Local authorities should be consulted on arrangements for establishing the implementing body within the NDA. This should be done through the Nuclear Legacy Advisory Forum.

A Word copy of the letter sent to the Environment Secretary is attached.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332

Follow this link to view a copy of the letter sent to the Environment Secretary