FRESH STUDY INTO PLANNED NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP
FRESH STUDY INTO PLANNED NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP
Posted: February 22, 2012
A study will be carried out, on how best to stop Cumbria from suffering from any negative perceptions over its involvement in the search for a suitable site for underground nuclear waste storage.
At a meeting yesterday, the West Cumbria Managing Radioactive Waste Safely Partnership agreed to look at how best to protect the image of the area’s strong brands which benefit the tourism and food industries, as well as other sectors that trade off the area’s reputation.
Consultants will look at what could be done to offset the risk of negative perceptions of the area if the county does take part in the search for a suitable site.
Cllr Elaine Woodburn, Partnership member and leader of Copeland Borough Council, said: “Cumbria is home to both the nuclear industry and a number of sectors that benefit from the strength of the Lake District and Cumbria brands. We are still carrying out an important consultation to find out what the public think about whether West Cumbria should take part in the search for somewhere to put an underground repository for nuclear waste.
“However, if the area does take part in that search it is vital we understand how taking part in that process might affect the image of the Lake District and Cumbria and what could be done to offset any risk of negative perceptions. This is a very useful piece of research which will provide the councils and other organisations with valuable evidence to help ensure we protect these brands if this process continues. The Partnership now needs to consider its response to the suggestions made.”
Richard Greenwood, head of policy and research at Cumbria Tourism, which is also part of the West Cumbria Managing Radioactive Waste Safely Partnership, said: “This report confirms how the county’s brand image benefits tourism as well as other industries such as food and drink products. It outlines ways to deal with any risk to how the county could be perceived and will help direct the thinking of the Partnership and other organisations, if West Cumbria does take part in the search for somewhere to put a repository.”
Rob Johnston, chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s fundamental that we understand the issues and potential impacts on all Cumbrian businesses of moving forward in this process. This report is very useful in doing so.
“Should the decision be taken to participate in the search for a repository site then we will need to work together as partners to address those issues.”
For more information about the West Cumbria MRWS Partnership and the current consultation, which continues until March 23, visit www.westcumbriamrws.org.uk
