Council leader rejects nuclear waste disposal plan

Councillor Anne Handley said she would "not support any plan" for nuclear waste in Holderness

The leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council has said she will not be supporting plans for nuclear waste disposal in the county.

Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has identified South Holderness as a potential site for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).

Anne Handley told BBC Look North she made her decision after "listening carefully to residents".

Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart, previously called on the council to stop discussions with NWS.

Two local Conservative councillors, Lyn Healing and Sean McMaster, have also put forward a motion for the authority to end any discussions about the proposal.

The radioactive waste would be buried in a series of vaults and tunnels deep underground

The proposed South Holderness site is one of three areas being considered along with others in Lincolnshire and Cumbria.

The GDF would see nuclear waste stored up to 3,280ft (1000m) underground and officials claim it would create thousands of jobs for the area.

A series of public meetings about the proposals have already taken place.

NWS said the scheme would only go ahead with the support of the community.

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