Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)

Aldermaston is the home of the sites renowned for producing the country’s nuclear deterrent. Previously known as the AWRE, in their wisdom they have dropped the “research” from their title. They are spread over 2 sites less than 5 miles apart, AWE(A) at Aldermaston and AWE(B) at Burghfield. Of the two, Aldermaston is the more important, AWE(A) comprising the HQ, component development and research. At AWE(B) they assemble the components into working units, and play a major role in the refurbishment of units returned from their base in Scotland.

AWE(A) lies entirely within the Parish of Aldermaston, and with some 6,000 employees is comfortably our largest source of employment. From a Parish Council view, we are most impacted by the DEPZ (Detailed Emergency Planning Zone) which imposes tight Planning rules within typically 3 kms of the site. This has advantages (we are unaffected by the Local Plan) and disadvantages (we are unable to evolve as a typical village). Aldermaston Parish Council works closely with the Emergency Planners at the local District Council (West Berkshire). The Emergency Planners are mostly concerned with the safe evacuation routes (the busy A340 runs through our Parish).

AWE is considered by most residents to be a good neighbour, and the Parish has two seats on the Local Liaison Committee where we learn about working practices, site development plans, community complaints etc. Public safety is a key factor in such meetings.

All residents receive a copy of the REPPIR (Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations) documentation, describing what to do in the event of an emergency at AWE. This is produced by West Berkshire Council, and reviewed every 3 years. Crucially they state that “There is no risk of a Chernobyl or Fukushima reactor type incident, since there are no reactors on either site”. The following is a typical REPPIR document.