The leader of Copeland Council has voiced fears that west Cumbria could become a dumping ground for nuclear waste.

George Usher has been angered by a statement to the House of Commons which called for all of Britain's nuclear waste to be sent to Sellafield.

The Thanet South MP, Dr Stephen Ladyman, had said there was no need to wait for the outcome of an independent review into radioactive waste, and that it should all go to Cumbria.

An independent body is currently reviewing options for dealing with radioactive waste.

Retirement plans

Dr Ladyman has said the area could be compensated for the inconvenience of taking the waste, but Mr Usher said: "We don't want handouts on the whim of government.

"We want jobs and the future of west Cumbria established.

"It is very hard when people like Dr Ladyman make these comments.

"If someone was looking at retiring to the area they might think twice if they thought it was going to become the nuclear dumping ground for the UK."

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said it was important for the independent review body to examine all options over the next few years.