Final public meeting to discuss South Holderness nuclear waste plan

BBC Open day at Partrington Village HallBBC
Nuclear Waste Services has held a number of public meetings across East Yorkshire

The final public meeting to discuss plans to bury nuclear waste in East Yorkshire takes place later.

The drop-in session at Burstwick Village Hall is the last of five organised by Nuclear Waste Services (NWS).

The government agency has named South Holderness as having potential for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).

Chief executive Corhyn Parr previously said the scheme would only go ahead with community support.

The GDF would see waste stored up to 3,280ft (1,000m) underground until its radioactivity had naturally decayed.

Officials from NWS said the project could create thousands of jobs and investment in local infrastructure in the area.

The proposed South Holderness site is one of three areas in England being considered.

Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) Graphic showing Geological Disposal FacilityNuclear Waste Services (NWS)
The radioactive waste would be buried in a series of vaults and tunnels deep underground.

However, the plan has attracted opposition, with two local councillors calling on East Riding of Yorkshire Council to end talks with NWS.

Beverley and Holderness Conservative MP Graham Stuart, who is also the Minister for Energy Security, has backed the councillors' motion saying "Our community says no".

Responding to Mr Stuart's position, NWS said the series of drop in events was to provide information to the local community.

"This is a consent-based process and government policy requires us to identify both a suitable site and a willing community," a spokesperson said.

"If after answering all their questions, the local community decided they don't want it, it won't be built."

The session at Burstwick Village Hall runs from 11:30 GMT - 18:00.

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