Local referendum on Kings Cliffe radioactive waste plan

A referendum is being held over plans to store radioactive waste at a landfill site in Northamptonshire.

Augean wants to dispose of low-level radioactive material at the hazardous waste site in Kings Cliffe, near Corby.

A group called Democracy in Action has organised the poll, to take place in 12 local parishes.

It will then send the results to the government which is considering a planning inspector's report in the wake of a public inquiry last year.

'Strength of feeling'

Northamptonshire county councillors unanimously rejected the plan in March.

Augean appealed and a public inquiry was held in October and November.

Democracy in Action spokesman Chris Leuchars said the results of the referendum would be passed to the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.

"The idea behind it is that Eric Pickles is obviously trying to get his localism bill through Parliament at the moment and this is an opportunity for us to connect with him.

"It's a way of showing him the strength of local feeling in the area," Mr Leuchars said.

Democracy in Action said the referendum was being managed by East Northamptonshire District Council and Rutland County Council.

Residents would have the opportunity to vote on the question: "Do you want your parish council to strongly object to the disposal of low level waste in the East Northants Resource Management Facility?"

Proposals 'scrutinised'

Augean said in a statement: "We are, of course, aware of the parish polls taking place in some parishes near our East Northants Resource Management Facility.

"It would be inappropriate at this time to comment on these, as we await the decision of the secretary of state for community and local government on the application.

"This decision will follow a lengthy democratic process where all aspects of our proposals were rigorously scrutinised in public, particularly at the public inquiry of the appeal and where those for and against the application had an opportunity to make their views known."

The polls were due to close at 2100 BST on Thursday.