The UK has made “real progress” with plans to build a deep geologic disposal facility with site evaluation work moving forward and engagement underway with four communities across England, according to a report by government body Nuclear Waste Services.

Three of the communities are in Cumbria, northwest England. They are Mid-Copeland, South-Copeland and Allerdale. The fourth is Theddlethorpe in Lincolnshire, eastern England.

“Community Partnerships are now well established in these areas and provide a platform for sharing information and engaging with communities,” NWS said. NWS chief executive officer Corhyn Parr said evaluation is beginning of sites and their suitability for a disposal facility.