Nuclear laundry complaint escalates

Chiefs at the borough council have already insisted there is “no evidence” that the operation of Energy Coast at Lillyhall represents a breach of planning law.

But Radiation Free Lakeland does not accept the explanation and has vowed to take the grievance to the Local Authority Ombudsman.

Representatives of Radiation Free Lakeland are also planning to visit Workington on Saturday to give those who share their concerns the opportunity to sign the complaint letter.

Marianne Birkby, of Radiation Free Lakeland, said: “We will be escalating the complaint to the Local Authority Ombudsman.

“Allerdale say there is no evidence of a breach of planning and say the Energy Coast Laundry needs no permission as they say there was previously a laundry on that site.

“However they have not provided any evidence of this and Companies House strangely makes no mention of the nuclear aspect of ECL.”

Ms Birkby has previously called on planning enforcement officers to serve a notice of eviction on the business,

Responding to comments, an authority spokesman has stressed that the plans had been through the proper scrutiny.

He said: “Allerdale Borough Council’s planning enforcement officers take action within their statutory powers and where there has been a clear breach of planning laws.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the activity on site at the laundry is in breach of planning legislation as it does not, in planning terms, represent a change to the established use of the building.

“It is the role of the Environment Agency to oversee the environmental impact of the site’s operations and we shall continue to provide any assistance they may require to ensure the key regulations are adhered to.”

Bosses who run the laundry have also moved to reassure the public, insisting that they deal only with “none active” basic clothing worn by Sellafield workers and contractors – and that stringent safety procedures are in place.