A series of drop-in events will allow the public to hear more about what a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) is and what it could mean for their area.

The consultation events are being held by the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership over three weeks in March.

Drop-in events will be held around the area being considered for a GDF, which includes the electoral wards of Gosforth, Seascale and Beckermet.

A GDF is an underground facility designed to safely and securely dispose of higher activity radioactive waste.

The Partnership’s Community Engagement Team will be out and about across the Mid Copeland area in Beckermet, Seascale, Gosforth, Calderbridge, Drigg, Haile and Thornhill.

Community Engagement Manager, Gillian Johnston, said: “We want people to come along and have a chat with us, ask us questions, raise any concerns, talk about opportunities – we’re here to help.

“We’re trying to cover as many locations in the area as possible at different times to give as much opportunity for people to join us. The discussions will help us to build up a picture of the main themes which are important in each community.

“At a later date, we could then bring some different experts in their field to discuss in more detail the subjects which matter most to people.”

Community Partnerships are formed to discuss GDF in an area under consideration.

The drop-ins start on Monday, March 7 and run until Friday, March 25

The consultation events are set to be held on the following dates and times in week one:

  • March 7: Gosforth Public Hall (9.30am-12pm); Beckermet Reading Rooms (1-4pm)
  • March 8: Seascale Library (9.30am-12pm); Haile Village Hall (1-4pm)
  • March 9: Beckermet Reading Rooms (9.30am-12pm); Drigg & Carleton Village Hall (1-4pm)
  • March 10: Gosforth Public Hall (9.30am-12pm); Seascale Library (1-4pm)
  • March 11: Drigg & Carleton Village Hall (9.30am-12pm); Calderbridge & Ponsonby Village Hall (1-4pm).

For a full list of drop-in dates, visit: https://midcopeland.workinginpartnership.org.uk/