Villages reject Northamptonshire radioactive waste plan

Villagers have voted overwhelmingly against plans to dump radioactive waste at a landfill site in Northamptonshire.

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

People in 11 villages took part in the poll. Of those who voted, 98% were against the plans.

Poll organisers Local Democracy in Action described the result as "fantastic", but Augean said it would be inappropriate to comment.

Northamptonshire county councillors unanimously rejected the plan in March 2010.

'Extraordinary result'

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

More than 1,700 people took part in the poll and were asked: "Do you want your parish council to strongly object to the disposal of low-level waste in the East Northants Resource Management Facility?"

Results will be sent to the government, which is a considering a planning inspector's report from the inquiry.

Robin Gifford of Democracy in Action said: "Turnout in most villages was over 50%.

"Considering that no proxy or postal votes were allowed, we regard this as an extraordinary result, especially given the limited time, virtually zero budgets and that it only involved volunteers.

"If ever there was a case of the 'Big Society' expressing its views then this is it."

A further five villages are due to hold polls or organise petitions in the next few days.

Augean said bodies including the Health Protection Agency and Health and Safety Executive had confirmed there was no suggestion the proposals would harm the environment or health.

It said that the maximum radiation dose members of the public could receive was so tiny it should give no cause for concern.