Copeland council has stated firmly they will retain a presence in Millom following today's announcement from Sellafield Ltd.

The nuclear giant said its is proposing to convert the current Millom Library building, on St George's Road, into office accommodation.

Copeland council's current Customer Services Centre, is located in the building, but it has confirmed it will relocate to another base in town once Sellafield Ltd’s plans progress.

Millom Hub, on Salthouse Road, is the council’s preferred location and consultations are currently taking place.

Julie Betteridge, Copeland’s Director of Growth and Inclusive Communities, said: “We are fully committed to having a council presence in Millom, and we know this service is valued by the community.

“We are very supportive of Sellafield Ltd’s plans for the St George’s Road building and believe it will be a key component in the regeneration of the town.

“This planned renovation creates an opportunity for us to relocate, with Millom Hub currently being explored as a new home for us, potentially with increased opening hours.

“We will continue to work closely with Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria County Council to strengthen our service provision in Millom.”

Councillor Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council commented: “We’re pleased that Sellafield is exploring options to move 100 staff into the centre of Millom as this will have a fantastic impact on the town’s economy.

"Millom has a very well loved and thriving library service which is growing in popularity and we want this to continue. We are carrying out a number of engagement sessions with our library users and our staff over the next few weeks to ensure that their views are incorporated into any potential changes to its location.

"As yet, no final decisions have been taken but we are thrilled that Sellafield are working with us to look at options that will help regenerate the town.”

And Copeland mayor Mike Starkie believes this will benefit Millom.

He said: “When I was elected mayor in 2015, one of my commitments was to generate development in every part of Copeland.

“After a period a long negotiations and pressing the case for Millom, I am delighted that Sellafield Ltd is supporting this long-held ambition of mine to get more people into the town to increase footfall, spend and opportunities.

“Married with the desire of Paul Foster and Sellafield Ltd and David Peattie and the NDA to move more workers off the Sellafield site, I had absolute determination that Millom would be included in those plans.

“I am thrilled that they have come through with their commitment to this development which will be the most transformational in a generation in Millom.

“The community richly deserves this inward investment which will pay dividends for years to come.

“This is just the beginning of numerous exciting projects for Millom, which is a key town in Copeland’s family, and I will continue to ensure that Millom will never be forgotten as long as I am mayor.”

Copeland Council is inviting users of its Millom office to send their views to communications@copeland.gov.uk. Additionally, feedback can be given at a drop-in session being held at the current office on Monday, January 27 between 1pm and 3pm.