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The UK/Ireland Nuclear Free Local Authorities have received a disturbing report just published by our friends in the campaign group Guardians of the East Coast revealing tourist sentiment about the possibility of a nuclear waste dump being brought to Theddlethorpe.
“Won’t come with the little ones” is a quote from one tourist amongst 1,100 holidaying along the 20-mile strip of coast from Theddlethorpe to Skegness who were surveyed by GOTEC activists in August. The tourist’s comment came in response to being asked the question: “If a Geological Disposal Facility for nuclear waste was to be built in the area, would this impact your decision to come here to visit or holiday?” And that adverse reaction was typical with 83% of tourists surveyed saying that the presence of a dump would impact their decision to visit, and a further 13% being unsure at this time if it would.
Skegness, Sutton on Sea, Mablethorpe and Theddlethorpe are all tourist dependent seaside resorts, catering for day trippers and holidaymakers. A report completed by Global Tourism Solutions and published by East Lindsey District Council in early September revealed that in 2023 4.57 million people visited the district, an 8.2% increase from 2022, whilst in 2023 the local economy benefitted from £857.9 million of tourist income, a new record building on the £824.2 million received in 2022. This sustained an estimated 8,033 tourist jobs (equivalent to 6,143 full time posts).[1]
In March, Expedia listed Lincolnshire as one of the UK’s ‘fastest growing tourist destinations’, a ‘trending hotspot’ no less, with a 70% increase in people looking online in 2023 for visitor accommodation in the county. The Visit Lincolnshire website also saw a huge growth in online ‘user traffic’ which was 61% up in 2023 compared to 2022.[2]
At that time, Councillor Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and environment and the county council, said:
“Lincolnshire has always been known as a destination for our fantastic coastline and historic city, but we’re working hard to put the whole county on the map for tourists. In our beautiful countryside and busy market towns, there are truly unique experiences including cycling, walking, golf, birdwatching, manor houses, historic airfields and independent shops. The list goes on! Our Visit Lincolnshire website had more than a million views last year as visitors are inspired to book their stay.”
A nuclear waste dump will Cllr Davie no favours, for the survey clearly shows that its spectre will have an increasingly adverse impact on tourism, more so if the nightmare of its being built at the location of a redundant gas terminal in Theddlethorpe comes to pass. Researchers sought to establish from the survey data what might be the likely impact on tourist numbers and income, and the figures are frightening. Taking the Skegness numbers, they estimate over time a 40.5% decline in tourism would result, amounting to over 3,000 jobs lost and almost £250 million in lost annual income.
With an economy predicated on a growing tourism sector, why then are Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council jeopardising the future of that sector by continuing to engage with Nuclear Waste Services on a quest to bring an unwanted Geological Disposal Facility to Theddlethorpe? To the NFLAs it is both illogical and counterproductive, akin to two municipal turkeys voting for Christmas. It is time now surely for the two Council Leaders to save their seaside and pull the plug on this process by collectively exercising their Right to Withdraw, as their Conservative colleagues faced with the same prospect did so tellingly earlier this year at South Holderness.[3]
Ends://..For more information, please contact NFLA Secretary Richard Outram by email to richard.outram@manchester.gov.uk
GUARDIANS OF THE EAST COAT (GOTEC) PRESS RELEASE
Tourist Survey Highlights Concerns Over Proposed Nuclear Waste Facility in Theddlethorpe
A new report from Guardians of the East Coast suggests that a nuclear waste dump would destroy more jobs than it would create.
Results from a recent survey conducted by the Guardians of the East Coast have revealed significant concerns among tourists regarding the potential construction of a high-level nuclear waste disposal facility at Theddlethorpe. The survey, carried out in August 2024, collected responses from 1,100 tourists visiting a 20-mile stretch of coastline between Theddlethorpe and Skegness.
The simple, yet impactful, question posed to participants was, “If a high-level nuclear waste storage facility was built at Theddlethorpe, would this affect your decision to visit the area?” 83% of those tourists surveyed indicated that it would affect their decision to visit the area if such a facility were constructed, with a further 4% unsure.
The results have sparked considerable discussion about the future of tourism in the region, as the local economy relies heavily on the steady influx of visitors. Many visitors surveyed cited concerns over safety, environmental impacts, and the broader image of the region.
While some respondents indicated they would not be deterred by the facility, others expressed a strong preference to avoid vacationing in a location associated with nuclear waste storage.
This survey comes at a pivotal time as Nuclear Waste Services, along with local authorities and stakeholders, continue to explore Theddlethorpe as a potential site for the UK’s Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for nuclear waste. The site is being considered due to its alleged geological suitability and its remote location, which proponents argue would make it a secure and viable option for long-term waste storage.
However, local tourism-dependent businesses and residents have voiced concerns about the potential economic fallout. For a tourism dependent economy, a sizeable drop in tourist numbers would significantly impact local livelihoods and jobs, with some fearing that the area’s natural appeal could be overshadowed by the negative perceptions associated with nuclear waste. Even a conservative estimate indicates that there could be an annual loss of around £245 million to the local economy and up to 3200 job losses.
Chairman of Guardians of the East Coast Mike Crookes commented: “It is now time to bring this process to an end. The principal authorities involved have a duty of care to take notice of these findings and stop this project, now!”
Councillor Travis Hesketh, who campaigned and was elected to the District Council because of his opposition to the proposal for a high-level nuclear waste disposal facility said “The GOTEC survey confirms what many intuitively know about the effect of a GDF on the Lincolnshire coastal strip, It will cause huge damage to the visitor economy. Jobs lost, businesses closed and being stigmatised as a nuclear coastline.“
As consultations continue, Nuclear Waste Services remains committed to addressing the concerns raised by both residents and visitors, ensuring that any future decisions are based on comprehensive engagement and a balance between national infrastructure needs and community interests.
Guardians of the East Coast believe that the results of the survey point, very strongly to the process being stopped quickly before further long-term damage is done to the local economy.
ENDS
Contacts
Mike Crookes: info@gotec.org.uk
Telephone: 07970 1546509
Travis Hesketh: travis.hesketh@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 07711 454081
EDITORS NOTES
Guardians of the East Coast https://www.gotec.org.uk/ is a diverse, grassroots organisation committed to preserving the natural beauty of East Lincolnshire’s coastline. United across all backgrounds and political allegiances, we stand against the industrialisation threatening our cherished agricultural land, coastal areas and beyond. We recognise the profound impact that proposed developments could have on the region’s environment and the vital tourism industry that sustains traditional seaside towns like Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea. Our mission is to protect these irreplaceable landscapes for future generations, ensuring they remain a source of natural beauty, community pride, and economic vitality.
