Radioactive dump risks 'very low', inquiry told

An expert in the effects of radioactivity on human health has been cross-examined at a public inquiry into plans for a dump in Northamptonshire.

Augean wants to dispose low-level radioactive material at a hazardous waste landfill site near Kings Cliffe.

Northamptonshire County councillors unanimously rejected the plan in March.

Professor Richard Wakeford of the University of Manchester, who has been employed by Augean, told the inquiry the health risk would be very low.

He said: "The perception held by some local residents that this is not the case is in fact a misperception and should not take precedence over an assessment founded upon scientific evidence."

Professor Wakeford was questioned over his previous employment by British Nuclear Fuels as a principal research scientist.

He asserted his independence and said his findings were supported by the mainstream scientific community.

A local protest group called Kings Cliffe WasteWatchers has mounted a campaign against the dump since the plans were first revealed.

The public inquiry is due to finish later this month.