A ROADSHOW of exhibitions is taking place during September to allow people to find out more about what a Geological Disposal Facility is and what it could mean for Copeland.

GDF is an underground facility designed to safely and securely dispose of higher activity radioactive waste. Copeland GDF Working Group has organised a series of exhibitions to encourage further conversation and understanding about geological disposal.

It will take place in 10 locations across Copeland from September 1-17 and is a chance to hear more, give views, ask questions, raise any concerns and understand potential opportunities.

There will be plenty of information plus some interactive content and virtual reality.

Gillian Johnston, Community Engagement Manager for Copeland GDF Working Group, said: “We are looking forward to getting out and about more in our local communities to speak with people face to face.

“Anyone can come along and look around the exhibition, speak to members of the Copeland GDF Working Group and local community engagement team - as well as scientists, geologists and engineers from Radioactive Waste Management.

“It’s a chance for us to hear more views from you, listen, answer your questions and have further conversations in person.”

Exhibitions will be held at The Beacon Portal in Whitehaven on September 1 between 10am and 7pm as well as September 2 between 9.30am and 2pm. Silecroft Village Hall will host an exhibition on September 3 between 10am and 2pm, Kirksanton Village Hall on September 3 between 5pm and 8pm and Thwaites Village Hall on September 4 between 10am and 6pm.

Working Group Chairman Mark Cullinan said: “If you want to know more about geological disposal, how a suitable site for a GDF is identified, what it could mean for Copeland, how a community partnership is formed and what it will do – as well as subjects including geology, safety and the environment – please put the dates in your diary. We look forward to seeing you.

As part of the process to find a site for a GDF in England or Wales, a Working Group was formed in Copeland last November. It has three main tasks – begin to understand community issues, examine any concerns and questions the public has about a GDF; identify a search area or areas within Copeland and recruit initial members for a Community Partnership which could take that work forward.

For the full list of times and venues, visit: copelandgdfexhibitions.rwmevents.co.uk/home