THE leader of Allerdale council has pledged to investigate claims of a “nuclear laundry” operating on a Workington industrial estate.

Radiation Free Lakeland has alleged that the Energy Coast Laundry at Lillyhall has been operating without having gone through proper planning scrutiny.

But bosses who run the laundry have insisted that they deal only with “none active” basic clothing worn by Sellafield workers and contractors – and that stringent safety procedures are in place.

Marianne Birkby, spokeswoman for the environmental pressure group, has called on Allerdale Borough Council’s planning enforcement officer to serve a notice of eviction on the business.

And Marion Fitzgerald, who became Allerdale council leader earlier this month, has pledged to “investigate the claims”.

Meanwhile, council chiefs from the neighbouring district of Copeland have blasted Radiation Free Lakeland for “scaremongering”.

David Moore, nuclear portfolio holder, said: “It’s disappointing when people use these scaremongering stories to push their personal agenda.”

In her complaint letter to the leader of Allerdale, Ms Birkby, said: “We have been researching the new nuclear laundry at Lillyhall which has been set up on a previously nuclear free site just metres from food outlets and preschool and older children at venues including Planet Play and the Lakes College.

“We are appalled beyond belief to find that this nuclear laundry servicing Sellafield has not been through any democratic scrutiny at all.

“We have contacted Cumbria County Council who inform us that you are the authority with control in respect of this new nuclear laundry.”

Radiation Free Lakeland has also produced a report accusing Allerdale council of “abdication of responsibility” amid claims the laundry has been kept secret from local businesses and the wider public.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service approached Allerdale council, but they have so far failed to supply a statement.

Responding to the claims Jason Robinson, Operations Manager for Energy Coast Laundry Ltd, said that the company has a valid Environment agency permit.

He also stressed that the company is “rigorously tested” every day to ensure their processes “meet the highest standards”.

“We work hard to ensure we maintain these standards of compliance and safety to ensure the safety of our staff and the local community in which we are situated,” he said.