Welcome to the sixth issue of the Theddlethorpe GDF Working Group Newsletter
We have completed our latest programme of exhibition events and I would like to thank everyone who got involved over the last six weeks. I’m pleased that over the 12 events, having offered residents the opportunity to come along and speak to us, so many have come along. As a result, we have been able to meet a lot of people and had some interesting chats.
Overall, it’s been a pretty positive experience for the team and although understandably some people are apprehensive about the idea of a GDF locally, most also accept there could be benefits for the area in hosting the facility too. Furthermore, having expressed their views and asked the questions that matter to them, we have found their concerns are eased once people have the answers and information they were looking for.
Even after our conversations many local people were keen to keep in touch and had wanted to continue hearing about the project as our work and plans developed. Many were looking at the opportunities it might offer and were interested in what it could do for the area and how it might benefit people living in the Search Area.
For me this sums up what this process is all about; local people forming their own opinions, asking questions, and coming to their own view about what is being proposed. And I hope this will continue to be the case over the coming months and years.
What is clear is that wherever it ends up being located, a GDF is essential to deal with the country’s legacy nuclear waste and as a once in a lifetime project it will need the right expertise to deliver the right project, and the support of the local community if it is to deliver in the national interest.
Exploring Theddlethorpe as a possible site for a GDF is a journey we’ve started and one that will continue for many years and involve many local people and organisations before any final decision is made. If after all that work, the site is considered to be suitable, it will be people living within the area that will have the final say about whether it gets the go-ahead. So, let’s continue to talk.
Jon Collins
Independent chair of the Working Group
Investing in the community
Should a Community Partnership be formed, and Community Investment Funding (CIF) be made available in the Search Area, our Grants Manager Laura will be using her time to talk to the local community on how the investment funding can be used for the benefit of local people.
Laura has lived, studied, and worked in Lincolnshire and remembers holidays at Golden Sands Caravan Park and taking part in the Mablethorpe Carnival when she was a young girl.
She previously worked for St Barnabas Hospice and over the years has worked in many different communities in the county, to improve the wellbeing of patients, working with carers services, schools, and rehabilitation services.
Her experience of working with volunteer groups throughout Lincolnshire and fundraising for the NHS is something that she can draw on when she begins to work with local groups and organisations on looking at the needs and potential projects in the area.
Laura, explained, “The best thing about my job as Grants Manager is that I get to have those positive conversations with people and work closely with them to ensure that if Community Investment Funding becomes available for the area, this can be accessed easily and be used to benefit the population within the Search Area.”
As Grants Manager, Laura is clear in her focus and has been talking to lots of people already at events recently where she has answered key questions on funding and has regularly explained that this community investment is for local people and will not be used to fill short-falls in local authority budgets, and the Government’s Working With Communities policy, sets this out very clearly.
“I would love for people and groups to come forward and speak to me, as I’m keen to know more and understand the local needs and would encourage anyone who perhaps has ideas for potential projects that could benefit from this funding, to get in touch.”
“We can offer advice and guidance through the application process, and support people in how to apply and put forward what is required to meet the criteria. My main aim is to make this investment funding accessible for all those that wish to apply for it.”
Grant funding of up to £1 million for local projects
Up to £1 million annually will be made available by central government and this Community Investment Funding (CIF) would mark the start of the siting process for a possible Geological Disposal Facility (GDF)
The money on offer must be used to fund projects, schemes or initiatives that provide economic development opportunities, enhance the natural and built environment, or improve community wellbeing.
Grants would range from under £10,000 to above £50,000 and applications would be welcomed from community groups, public sector organisations and businesses wanting to do something to benefit the Withern and Theddlethorpe, and Mablethorpe communities.
Three local initiatives in Copeland, Cumbria, have already received investment from the GDF Programme Community Investment Funding. A BMX ‘Pump Track’ at Seascale, the Beckermet Reading and Recreation Rooms and Seascale Cricket Club have received confirmation that they will receive a total of over £65,000 from the up to £1million a year funding which is made available to benefit local communities engaged in discussions about hosting a GDF.
Read more about Copeland Community Funding https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-community-projects-granted-gdf-community-funding
Are you interested in the funding for the area?
If you would like further information about this Community Investment Funding, and to chat to Laura about potential ideas and check if they are eligible, please phone 0300 369 0000 or email the team on GDFinfo-Theddlethorpe@nda.gov.uk
Your questions answered
Since we started conversations with people, we have received many questions, and these have formed useful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that others can refer to when wanting to know the same on a shared area of concern.
You can find these questions and answers on our website, and they are being regularly added to as we continue our work.
If you have a question that isn’t covered already on our FAQs, then please get in touch.