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CUMBRIA’S REGENERATION AGENCIES WELCOME NUCLEAR NEW BUILD SUPPORT

REGENERATION organisations in Cumbria have welcomed the Government support for a new generation of nuclear power stations in the United Kingdom.

West Lakes Renaissance – the Urban Regeneration Company for Furness and West Cumbria – and the County’s economic development agency Cumbria Vision, have both stressed that West Cumbria should be seriously considered as a location for a new power station.

John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has announced that the Government would streamline the planning process to encourage private sector firms to build the new stations.

He told the House of Commons today (Thursday, January 10) that new stations would most likely be located at or near existing nuclear power stations.

A new nuclear power station at the Sellafield site is a vitally important part of the Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan – a package of regeneration projects that centre on the further development of the area’s globally important expertise in nuclear and other innovative energy technologies.

Rosie Mathisen, Director for Nuclear Opportunities for West Lakes Renaissance and energy adviser for Cumbria Vision , said: “West Cumbria is ready and willing to step up its contribution and play a full part in meeting the challenges facing the UK’s energy production – in terms of both climate change and energy security.

“We already boast a globally recognised base of skills and expertise in the nuclear industry and have an ever growing reputation in other sources of energy production, ranging from off shore wind farms to gas and oil.

“Through the Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan, we have the potential to deliver the critical elements of the national strategy to combat climate change and secure the nation’s energy supply.”

Mrs Mathisen said that West Lakes Renaissance, on behalf of the partners behind the Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan*, has already taken steps to put forward a strong case for nuclear new build at Sellafield.

A review has been carried out by Amec on the potential challenges facing new build at Sellafiled – home to 36 per cent of the UK's civil nuclear industry. It confirmed that whilst Sellafield is a strong contender for siting new build, it has a number of commercial disadvantages, particularly the lack of a 400KV line and the need to obtain planning consents.

Mrs Mathisen added: “Removing the uncertainty associated with the 400 KV connection is the most important issue for West Cumbria to work out with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Government and the National Grid”.

“On the other hand, Sellafield presents a number of advantages for utilities in their siting decisions, not least, strong public and local Government support for new build and our exceptional nuclear skills base.

“West Cumbria will be working proactively and collaboratively through its political leaders to mitigate the key areas of risk and to ensure that the site is given high profile.”

The Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan has been produced by the Cumbria Partners of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum*. The Forum has worked intensively with regional and national organisations, including Government, over the last two years to draw up the plan and secure the financial backing from Westminster.

Projects including in the Masterplan range from the establishment of pioneering centres for nuclear skills and enterprise support for businesses to transport improvements and the development of West Cumbria as tourism destination**. (please see notes to editors for list of projects)

The Masterplan totals a £2 billion public and private sector investment over the next 20 years. These projects will result in 16,000 jobs; boost the County’s economy to the tune of £800 million and transform West Cumbria into one of the fastest growing sub regional economies in the United Kingdom.

Jamie Reed, Chairman of West Cumbria Strategic Forum Cumbria Partners and MP for Copeland, said : “ This policy is excellent news for West Cumbria whether or not we receive any new reactors but the race is now on for us to make the case for the private sector to invest in nuclear new build at Sellafield.

“I have been pursuing this with West Lakes Renaissance and others for some time and will continue to do this over the coming weeks, months and years.”

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, said: “The Northwest, and West Cumbria in particular, is home to over 50% of the UK’s civil nuclear workforce and the vast majority of its research excellence. The region has a vital role to play in ensuring that the UK maintains its competitiveness in this area and the news today from Government is very encouraging and could see our nuclear expertise grow further, long into the future.”

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

* The Cumbria Partners of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum are;

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Northwest Regional Development Agency
North West Regional Assembly
North West Universities Association
Cumbria Vision
West Lakes Renaissance
Invest in Cumbria
Cumbria Learning and Skills Council
Business Link Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism
Cumbria County Council
Allerdale Borough Council
Copeland Borough Council
The Private Business Sector
Sellafield Trade Unions
West Cumbria Strategic Partnership
West Cumbria Business Cluster
West Cumbria Industry Group
Professor John Fyfe
Tony Cunningham MP
Jamie Reed MP

** Projects included in the Britain’s Energy Coast™ Masterplan include;

● The Dalton Institute (Manchester University)
● National Nuclear Laboratory
● University of Cumbria expansion into West Cumbria
● Nuclear Academy North West
● A new £310 million acute hospital, with research and teaching facilities, which will build on West Cumbria’s existing strengths in toxicology, radiation and epidemiology
● Enterprise support for local businesses and enterprise training in schools
● Improvements to schools and the establishment of new academies totalling more than £200 million
● The creation of new, and improvements to an array of existing employment sites
● Public realm investment in West Cumbrian towns
● A total of £80 million in Housing Market Renewal
● Long term programme of strategic road improvements totalling more than £300 of investment, including a £30 million into the A66, the main link between the M6 and West Cumbria
● £50 million worth of development of cultural, sporting and leisure facilities
● New tourism facilities, including a hotel in Whitehaven
● Improvements to the marinas in Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport
● Improvements to rolling stock, stations and railway infrastructure on the West Coast Mainline in Cumbria

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1: For further information contact Luke Dicicco, PR & Communications Manager for West Lakes Renaissance and Cumbria Vision, on 01768 861310 or 07799035390 or email luke.dicicco@cumbriavision.co.uk.

2: For more information on West Lakes Renaissance visit www.westlakesrenaissance.co.uk; for more information on Cumbria Vision visit www.cumbriavision.co.uk

3: West Lakes Renaissance and Cumbria Vision are supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), which leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for: Supporting business growth and encouraging investment; Matching skills provision to employer needs; Creating the conditions for economic growth; Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure; Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life. www.nwda.co.uk

4: Cumbria County Council is a founding partner of and the accountable body for West Lakes Renaissance and Cumbria Vision. www.cumbria.gov.uk