Nuclear Waste Services has handed £8m to the community in an area of Cumberland being used to dispose of waste underground to support projects promoting wellbeing and the environment.

The money has been handed to good causes over the last four years in the Copeland area through its Nuclear Waste Services’ Geographical Disposal Facility (GDF) programme, according to latest figures from NWS, which is part of non-governmental body the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority that is responsible for the clean up of historical nuclear sites.

This has seen £4m awarded to projects in Mid Copeland and the same amount to communities in South Copeland, funding more than 200 projects.

In Mid Copeland investment has included a village hall refurbishment at Ponsonby and new play areas at Thornhill, Beckermet and Calderbridge.

Also, in Mid Copeland Shackles Off Youth and Community Project had been awarded over £500,000, to construct a new youth and community centre in Seascale. A further £100,000 has been awarded to continue and expand provision the charity is currently delivering for young people in Millom.

Shackles Off executive officer Mandy Taylor said: “This new centre and the expansion of our services mean so much to the young people we support, as well as our staff, volunteers and other local groups. We’re incredibly grateful for this funding, as we simply couldn’t have achieved this on our own.”

Meanwhile, in South Copeland, support has included investment in Millom Leisure Centre, upgrades at Millom Rugby Union FC and helping projects to tackle social isolation, including investing in a running track, addiction support services and working with pensioners.

“Reaching £8 million of investment across Mid and South Copeland is a significant milestone, and it’s great to see the difference this funding is making on the ground - from new and improved community facilities and youth services, to projects supporting wellbeing and heritage,” said Andy Pratt, chair of the GDF programme’s community partnerships.

“I’m really pleased that this funding is being used to turn local ideas into facilities, services and opportunities that people can see and use every day.”

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