BOSSES of Allerdale GDF Working Group have hit back after claims they will not rule-out the Lake District National Park as a potential site for a geological disposal facility.

Cumbria Trust, a group that campaigns for safe storage of legacy waste, has criticised Allerdale Working Group after statements made in a recent meeting which they say “goes back on its word”.

It pointed out that the working group has previously agreed not to consider the Lake District National Park in the siting process.

In a leaflet circulated at the start of the consultation process, the group said: “The Working Group has already agreed that a GDF will not be built in or under the Lake District National Park."

But in statements posted on the Cumbria Trust website which they say came from a behind-closed-doors meeting of Allerdale Working Group, GDF bosses do not rule out the re-introduction of the Lake District National Park as a potential site.

The minutes produced by Radioactive Waste Management said: “Why was LDNP excluded and AONB was not? – LDNP was not included initially by the interested party, however the Community Partnership, once set-up, could decide to re-include it going forward if they wish.”

Cumbria County Council member for Keswick and Lake District National Park board member Tony Lywood said: “My take on this is that we do need a place to store the legacy of Sellafield.

“It is going to have to be dealt with. It could be low-level waste storage or GDF, there’s even talk of a Magnox plant to reuse it.

“It has to be dealt with. I’m not going to plump for any particular solution, I’m not a technician. What I am absolutely certain of is it can’t be left in the state it’s in forever.”

However, a spokesperson for the Allerdale GDF Working Group said: “Working Group members made it clear when the group was formed back in January, that the Lake District National Park would not be considered, either above or below ground. This remains the position and nothing has changed.”