In the 1950s, the British government seriously considered storing nuclear waste in disused coal mines across Gloucestershire. As the UK advanced its atomic energy and weapons programs, initial plans were approved to dispose of radioactive waste in some of the county’s abandoned mining pits.
Authorization was reportedly given to dump radioactive material from the Harwell and Aldermaston facilities in old coal workings within the Forest of Dean. Specific sites included New Fancy near Parkend, Crump Meadow, Foxes Bridge, and Lightmoor near Cinderford, as reported by the Dean Forest Mercury on August 20, 1954.
However, these proposals met with significant local opposition. Communities in the Forest of Dean expressed outrage over the lack of adequate consultation and the potential risks involved. Albert Brookes, then-chairman of the West Dean Rural District Council, voiced hope that public outcry would prevent the scheme from going forward.
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Miners, in particular, feared contamination risks, worrying that radioactive waste could leach into groundwater and seep into operational mines. In response, a conference of the three rural district councils was held in Coleford to formulate formal protests to the Minister of Housing and Local Government.
Despite government geologists asserting that no contamination would occur, there was widespread skepticism among locals and officials alike. Lord Bledisloe famously criticized the plan, calling it damaging to the area’s natural beauty and healthful environment and suggesting that the true hazards of radioactive waste were insufficiently understood.
Morgan Philips Price, then Member of Parliament for West Gloucestershire, echoed the miners’ concerns. He condemned the perceived government attitude that the Forest of Dean, seen as a depleted mining area, was a convenient dumping ground regardless of consequences. He demanded greater transparency, robust assurances about the safety of the local population, and respect for the economic significance of tourism.
Ultimately, united opposition from local councils, mining communities, and political representatives led to the abandonment of the proposals. The plan to store nuclear waste in Gloucestershire’s old coal mines was dropped, preserving the region’s environment and public health.