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News story NWS WELCOMES THEDDLETHORPE GDF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FORMATION Partnership provides a platform to extend local discussions and trigger local investment funding The move in

Theddlethorpe, Lincolnshire, marks another important step forward in the nationwide search to find a willing community and suitable site for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) where

higher-activity radioactive waste will be disposed of safely and securely. Theddlethorpe GDF Community Partnership is the fourth in the UK, following three that were established in west

Cumbria over the last year: * Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership * South Copeland GDF Community Partnership * Allerdale GDF Community Partnership Conversations with local people will now

extend over the coming years, taking over from engagement started last year by the Working Group to consider the possibility of hosting a GDF in the area. Recruitment to the Community

Partnership, a larger and longer-term group, is now set to begin. Following identification of a search area covering two electoral wards of Withern & Theddlethorpe, and Mablethorpe,

activities will focus on further discussions to help build local understanding of a GDF. While this search area covers the two electoral wards of Withern & Theddlethorpe and Mablethorpe,

we are looking to site a GDF deep underground beyond the coast. The former gas terminal will continue to be considered as a possible surface reception facility, with planned underground

facilities constructed in the deep rock layers beyond the coastline. This means a land-based surface facility could provide access to underground tunnels and vaults many kilometres away,

constructed in rocks up to 1,000 metres deep. The formation of Theddlethorpe Community Partnership also unlocks £1 million per year of community investment funding for initiatives supporting

economic development opportunities, improving community well-being, or enhancing the local environment. This figure could rise to £2.5 million annually later in the process. Karen Wheeler

CBE, NWS’ Deputy CEO and Major Capital Programmes Director, said: “We’re really thrilled to see the formation of Theddlethorpe GDF Community Partnership. This provides a platform to increase

community engagement and trigger investment funding for projects that will provide immediate benefits for the communities involved. “This is the fourth Community Partnership to form and

represents real progress as we engage with communities about a GDF and what it could mean for them. We look forward to continuing discussions and beginning investigations in these areas for

a site that could be suitable.” NWS continues to hold informal discussions in other parts of the country that may lead to the formation of additional Working Groups and Community

Partnerships. Construction of a GDF requires both a suitable site and a willing community. If a suitable site is eventually found, a Test of Public Support would be held with those living in

affected wards. The project could only go ahead with clear public support. Learn more about geological disposal here. SHARE THIS PAGE The following links open in a new tab * Share on

Facebook (opens in new tab) * Share on Twitter (opens in new tab) UPDATES TO THIS PAGE Published 30 June 2022