DECOMMISSIONING plays a vital role in supporting the local economy, offering significant benefits in skills retention and career development for local communities.
For Chapelcross the decommissioning process is not just about dismantling structures but about preserving expertise and creating opportunities for future generations.
A residents’ survey conducted on behalf of NRS – Nuclear Restoration Services– in 2024 revealed that 72 per cent of survey respondents valued Chapelcross site as a good employer; 30 per cent of residents think they know at least ‘a fair amount’ about the site; and 98 per cent agreed that local jobs are important to the local economy.
Members of the public are now invited to come along and share their thoughts at the NRS roaming interactive touchscreen digital exhibition starting next week, at the following locations: Tesco Car Park on March 11/12/13 and at the car park in front of The Factory Shop on March 17/18/19, from 10 am until 4 pm.
Each event will be an opportunity for the community to see the exciting changes taking place at the Chapelcross site and contribute to the lively conversation around its future.
Attendees will be able to explore and contribute to a range of options, including new employment opportunities, a rewilding project, leisure facilities or something completely different.
Emma Higgins, director of corporate affairs at NRS, said: “Hosting a community exhibition focused on decommissioning is essential to address the concerns and aspirations of younger community members.
“In national workshops, younger participants highlighted the importance of long-term community benefits, such as access to skilled employment, and enhanced local amenities.
“By directly engaging young people from Chapelcross in the conversation, the exhibition provides an opportunity to demystify the decommissioning process, emphasise its safety and sustainability, and connect its outcomes to their aspirations for the region’s future.”
