Community groups get £1m from nuclear waste agency

The agency behind a proposed nuclear waste disposal site in Lincolnshire has given £1m to local community groups.

The former Theddlethorpe gas terminal is one of three sites being considered by the government's Nuclear Waste Services (NWS).

As part of the engagement process money has be given to a foodbank, village halls, a local blind society and education projects, NWS said.

The waste plan has attracted opposition, with local councillors calling for a referendum on the development.

Sixteen projects have been selected for the funding by the Theddlethorpe Geological Disposal Facility Community Partnership.

One recipient is the Furnichurch group, which provides household items and food to people who cannot afford them.

Christine Collins, chairwoman of the management committee, said the money would help fund their foodbank.

“The funding we have previously relied on from other organisations in the past no longer exists.

"Support from community investment funding means that Furnichurch can be there for people in our community that need our foodbank for the next three years."

Another group is the Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society, which will use the money to fund advisers to visit people and give advice and support to people with visual impairments.

Other beneficiaries include the local Citizens Advice centre, an ecological education project, a local exercise group, which will use it to redecorate their hall, and money will be used to extend the playground at Theddlethorpe Academy primary school.

Interim chairman of the Community Partnership Jon Collins said he encouraged more groups to apply for funding.

“We are delighted to continue to be able to award this funding to projects that need help and support to provide the worthwhile services they do in the community," he said.

If approved, the waste disposal site would see nuclear waste from power stations stored under up to 1,000m (3,280ft) of solid rock until its radioactivity had naturally decayed.

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