CRS has been told that a bunker that will be used to
store nuclear waste from all over the UK could be built in Kent, under a
council's plans.
Shepway District Council is examining whether a nuclear
disposal facility, where waste is buried underground, could be built at Romney
Marsh.
The authority said it could bring jobs to the area as
Dungeness A and B power stations are phased out. However, Kent County Council
said it would use "every tool in the box" to oppose the scheme.
The Romney Marsh Nuclear Research and Disposal Facility
would be buried 200m (656ft) to 1,000m (3,280ft) below ground.
Councillor David Godfrey, who is leading the project for
Shepway District Council, said the authority did not have a formal view about
the facility and would consult with residents before submitting an expression
of interest to the government. "Our only view is that local people should
be given the opportunity to decide for themselves if it is worth discussing the
idea further," he said.
According to the council, when Dungeness A and B are
fully decommissioned in either 2018 or 2023 the area will lose 1,000 jobs and
an estimated £46m a year from the local economy. It believes the scheme could
bring skilled employment for hundreds of people "over many decades".
The leader of Kent County Council, Paul Carter, said his
authority opposed the plan and would push for a county-wide referendum if
necessary. "We are totally opposed to initiating any process that even
entertains the possibility of building a nuclear waste disposal site anywhere
near or around Kent," he said.
"We will do everything possible to oppose this
unviable proposal and will use every tool in the box to bring an end to this
scheme. I have no doubt that the residents of Kent will share my horror, and I
am absolutely committed to ensuring the public have their voice heard on
this."
Shepway District Council will hold a series of public
exhibitions over the next three weeks detailing the proposals.
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