Radioactive waste disposal plan could impact Lincolnshire County tourism

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

On the Lincolnshire coast, plan to set up a nuclear waste facility could impact tourism, campaigners have cautioned after a council conferred to look at the proposal.

Radioactive Waste Management (RWM), a government company, has earmarked a favorable site at a former gas terminal in Theddlethorpe, close to Mablethorpe.

On Tuesday, Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) gave consent at a meeting to get connected with a working group to explore the idea.

Opponents have explained that this decision would create ambiguity for local businesses and residents.
As part of its role, a working group would identify a search area to conduct more feasibility studies and would connect more with the local communities.

However, in the meeting, campaigner Ken Smith highlighted that proposals of this type could make people suspicious of visiting the coast, adding RWM could walk away at any moment, leaving tourism businesses with a “Sword of Damocles” hanging over their heads.

“The proposal is not a matter of we could lose tourism, and gain extra jobs… it’s a matter of we could lose tourism and gain absolutely nothing,” he said.

“To my view… you’re taking a huge gamble and it’s not one I will be prepared to take myself.”

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