South Copeland

Introduction

In South Copeland, a search area which includes the electoral divisions of Millom and Millom Without is being investigated.

The South Copeland GDF Community Partnership was formed in December 2021.  

A Search Area has been identified, but no areas that fall within the Lake District National Park or 2019 extension proposal will be considered to host a GDF. 

In the community

In 2023 to 2024, South Copeland GDF Community Partnership attended over 60 engagement events and had over 900 conversations with local people. This included drop-ins, meetings, larger scale events and community shows. 

The Community Partnership, which is a group of 10 locally informed members, connected to the local community and covering various sectors, also requested three community surveys to gain insights into awareness, understanding and support of a GDF across the Search Area. Members have increased their knowledge of geological disposal through talks with international GDF programmes and a visit to the British Geological Survey. 

A further £1million of Community Investment Funding (CIF) was granted in 2023, bringing the total invested locally to £2million, so far. This money is making a difference to local people, fuelling projects that provide economic opportunities and improve wellbeing, leaving a legacy for the community, regardless of whether the community eventually hosts a GDF. It includes grants to the Cumbria Community Foundation Winter Warmth Fund and Bootle and District First Responders.