Statement from Councillor Leyland on Theddlethorpe proposals from the RWM
29 July, 2021
We are aware of the possibility that the former ConocoPhillips site at Theddlethorpe is being considered by the Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) authority as a site for the storage of nuclear waste.
Instinctively we would be against such a proposal. However, we would need to fully understand the community view of this given that there will be a comprehensive consultation process to understand the issues that surround such a proposal. There may be benefits that we have not considered, and these should be properly debated.
And we will, of course, support the local community.
Lincolnshire County Council are liaising with the RWM. Neither ELDC nor LCC are decision makers in this matter. Ultimately it is the local community that should have the final say.
It is critically important that we should facilitate the engagement process locally so that our residents can make an informed decision.
I would urge all interested parties to take part in the engagement process so that all the benefits and dis-benefits of such a proposal can be understood considered.
There will inevitably be great concern in those communities most affected by this. This is entirely understandable. We need to make sure that the current vacuum of information is filled.
To that end, this week I have attended, by invitation, a virtual meeting with Steve Reece, Head of Siting for RWM and Kate Atha, Community Engagement Manager for RWM.
They have assured me that there will be wide ranging engagement with local residents and community stakeholders. That will be initiated shortly with contact being made with the local councils most affected.
The engagement will share knowledge and details of the proposal that should stimulate an informed debate. There is no time limit to the engagement.
Ultimately the community will decide. Residents have the final say via what is called a Test of Public support.
Siting a nuclear waste storage facility at Theddlethorpe has implications for our coast that will last for many generations. It is vitally important that the community engagement is meaningful, and we must play our part in ensuring that. Whatever your viewpoint on this is we must encourage the best decision to be made.
Information on how all this progresses is available on the RWM government website.