£8 million invested in Copeland communities through NWS GDF funding

Little Otters Baby and Toddler Group was set up using Community Investment Funding from the GDF programme.

More than £8 million has now been invested in community projects across Mid and South Copeland over the past four years through Nuclear Waste Services’ Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) programme.

Since the Mid Copeland and South Copeland GDF Community Partnerships formed in late 2021, Community Investment Funding (CIF) of up to £1 million per year has been available to each Search Area, supporting local ideas that create economic opportunities, enhance the natural or built environment and improve community wellbeing.

Investment making a visible difference

Over four years, £4 million has been awarded in Mid Copeland and £4 million in South Copeland, funding over 200 projects combined and delivering lasting benefits for residents, community groups and local organisations.

Andy Pratt, Chair of the Community Partnership, said:

“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. 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.”

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

Mandy Taylor, Executive Officer of Shackles Off, 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.”

On site in November 2025 as work is well under way for the new Shackles Off Youth and Community Centre. Over £500,000 of Community Investment Funding was awarded to the project.

Other examples in Mid Copeland include:

Major refurbishment at Beckermet Reading Rooms and Calderbridge and Ponsonby Village Hall
New play areas at Thornhill, Beckermet and Calderbridge plus a community gym at Gosforth
Mental health and wellbeing programmes, including Growing Well and Florence Arts Centre
Community safety initiatives such as new defibrillators in rural areas

In South Copeland projects include:

Major investment in Millom Leisure Centre, including 3G pitch resurfacing and building fit-out
Refurbishment of Haverigg Inshore Rescue boat and equipment upgrades
Energy efficiency upgrades at Millom Rugby Union Football Club and assessments at Eskdale Centre CIC, improvements at village halls across the Search Area, and heritage restorations in Irton and Bootle
Projects tackling social isolation, improving access to transport and supporting health and wellbeing through projects such as Millom Pensioners Association, Cumbria Addictions Advice & Solutions, and the Millom Community Track

Millom Striders Running Club pictured at Millom Community Track. The Community Track received £23,238 towards new solar lighting, which will provide full light coverage for track users.

The funding is awarded by the Community Partnership Investment Panels and provided by Nuclear Waste Services independently of any future decision on whether a GDF is built, ensuring communities benefit from early and sustained investment.