Last updated at 12:51, Thursday, 07 February 2013

A SENIOR member of Cumbria County Council has resigned from a top role following the decision not to search for locations for a nuclear repository.

Councillor Tim Knowles, who represents Cleator Moor North, has stepped down from his position as a member of the council's cabinet following the decision on January 30.

Reacting to the news Copeland MP Jamie Reed said: "I am sad to see the cabinet of Cumbria County Council lose its only member with an understanding and experience of policy making in the nuclear industry, but it was impossible for Tim to remain part of a cabinet that votes against its own nuclear policies and which then expects to be taken seriously by the people of West Cumbria, the nuclear industry or national government.

“Cumbria County Council’s policies are not credible, they are not coherent and they risk causing profound damage to West Cumbria.

“Tim has represented our area with distinction for many years and as Copeland and Allerdale Borough Councils, the trade unions, industry and others move forward with a process to progress the issue of radioactive waste disposal with government, he will play a pivotal role in this.”

It is understood Cllr Knowles will continue to serve as a councillor.

More to follow

First published at 12:25, Thursday, 07 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk