NUCLEAR power should play a "major role" in the future economy of Cumbria, the Government is being told.

Cumbria County Council is sending this message to ministers after agreeing to respond to the consultation process triggered by the Energy White Paper.

The authority says nuclear power should be part of the energy supply mix - but concerns over how nuclear waste is disposed of need to be dealt with.

Coun Tony Markley, cabinet member responsible for economic development and regeneration, said: "Obviously nuclear power poses a number of issues, but today's decisions represent a major benchmark for the county council.

"The issue of the safe and secure disposal of the existing waste legacy needs to be addressed, but we have given the Government clear advice on how to handle this."

He added: "We have now opened the door to nuclear power playing a major role in the Cumbrian economy of the future."