South Copeland is gearing up to host a series of events addressing the potential implications of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) locally.

The Film Talks: Exploring GDF series will unfold on November 24 and 25 and aims to encourage the local community's involvement via informative short films and expert-led Q&As.

In attendance will be the GDF developer Nuclear Waste Services’ geologists, engineers and scientists, as well as members of the Community Partnership, academics, the Environment Agency, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM).

On Friday, November 24, event-goers can explore the topic from 5pm-8pm at The Beggar’s Theatre, Millom followed by a Saturday gathering from 2pm-5pm at Drigg Village Hall, Holmrook.

The films and Q&A sessions will start from 6pm on November 24 and 3pm on November 25.

For the hour prior to this, people are invited to join for refreshments and discussion.

Chair of the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership, Ged McGrath, said: “These events are an opportunity to join the GDF conversation through film, understand more, ask your questions, and hear different perspectives on geological disposal.

“Members of the Community Partnership, myself included, are looking forward to viewing the films, learning from the different experts in the room, and raising our questions, thoughts and concerns.

“Do come along - we want to hear from you, we value your opinions and take them all on board as we go through this process.”

GDF is a facility designed to securely dispose of higher activity radioactive waste underground.

Its implementation not only requires a suitable site but a 'willing community'.

Regulators like the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency also need to approve it.

If a suitable South Copeland site is found, a process which could take 10-15 years, a Test of Public Support would then enable the local populace to have a direct say in whether the project goes ahead.

Currently, the search for a suitable GDF site is considering deep geology beyond South Copeland's coast, this means that a surface facility on or near the coast could provide access to a disposal area deep in rock beyond the coast.

South Copeland is among three locations participating in this siting process, along with Mid Copeland, Cumbria, and Theddlethorpe in Lincolnshire.