"INDECISION" from Government is holding back plans for a clean energy site at Moorside according to a Copeland councillor.

Copeland Borough Council member for Whitehaven Central Joseph Ghayouba has said that the UK Government needs to show its commitment to new-nuclear plans and publish a funding model.

He said: "The biggest hold up is that the Government hasn't announced a funding model. What we're waiting on for nuclear to go ahead is they've banned the idea of Chinese investment and haven't published a funding model yet."

He said that a pledge to invest in clean energy parks would encourage big investors to support the plans.

"Until the funding model is agreed, they're not going to be interested. We're sat waiting and it's not going to happen any time soon because of Government indecision."

It is hoped that success for the proposed Sizewell C nuclear site at Suffolk would support the delivery of the Moorside clean energy park neighbouring Sellafield.

Councillor Ghayouba said: "Where's the substance to back up the pretty pictures?"

David Moore, portfolio holder for nuclear and corporate services said: "I believe the Government is currently working on a funding model for Sizewell C."

He agreed that time is of the essence on publishing that funding model. He said that even when the funding model is in place, plans taking shape at Moorside could be a decade away.

"What we're getting out of this is affordable electricity for the consumer for the next 50 years. Nuclear has come to the forefront with the crisis around gas prices."

Clean energy produced by the small modular reactors at Moorside could also play a part in the climate emergency.

"People seem to forget that new-nuclear is green. What it does produce is carbon free energy."

Councillor Moore said: "New-nuclear has a role to play and it can be used effectively but it needs the right funding model to be developed. We want them to deliver because we know we can deliver."