Radioactive waste site plan heard

The firm hopes to dispose of low level waste from Sellafield

Plans to dispose of radioactive waste at a former opencast pit in Cumbria are being heard for the first time.

Sita UK wants to landfill the site at Keekle Head, near Whitehaven, with "low level waste", but the proposals have met local opposition.

A presentation for councillors and residents is being held at Summergrove Hall in Hensingham.

Several consultations will take place before the planning application is submitted, said the firm.

Thursday's event is being hosted by Endecom UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Sita.

When the plans were announced last year, concerns were raised about the environmental impact.

Willis Metherell, of Copeland Council, said he was "dismayed and disappointed" for local communities.

The waste management firm said mining on the site had created a void ideal for the disposal of waste, including buildings demolished as part of the decommissioning process at Sellafield.