NUCLEAR FUTURE

Last updated 19:45, Thursday, 10 July 2008

THE credit crunch couldn’t have come at a worse time for Workington’s new town centre.

But that shouldn’t be used as an excuse as the area, two years down the line, strives to fulfil its creators’ vision.

We’re pleased to see that Allerdale council’s new review of the project doesn’t hide from any of the issues; concern over car parking, empty units, lack of restaurants.

There’s a healthy dose of realism, and of course it recognises the importance of a flagship store like Debenhams and new artworks that have indeed raised the town’s profile.

But this is the real world, and you can’t force people to shop here, credit crunch or not.

We therefore welcome Allerdale’s support for a £25,000 marketing campaign in an attempt to improve perceptions of Workington.

The town centre may have its shortcomings, but it is a vast improvement on what was there before.

We just need to shout louder about it.

THIS is a significant day for the West Cumbrian economy, as Sellafield finds out who its future owner will be.

Whoever lands what has been called the UK’s “biggest single procurement contract” will have a major impact on the local jobs market for years to come.

Unions are concerned that the new parent body, being announced today, might achieve its cost efficiency mandate by cutting jobs.

Early assurances must be sought on that front.

West Cumbria is the mainstay of the UK nuclear industry and provides the skills that keep it at the cutting edge worldwide; Sellafield’s new operators need to safeguard that goodwill.