FOUR hundred jobs at the Hinkley Point C site are at risk as another delay hits the proposal to build a new nuclear power station.

Work on the £20billion project has been ‘scaled down’ following the failure of French energy giant EDF Energy to finalise the funding arrangements.

It had hoped to announce its final investment decision last month – a decision already delayed from last July – but now EDF has said it will not continue with the next phase of work until all the investment is in place.

There are currently 650 workers on site with 250 EDF staff expected to remain to continue project planning and site maintenance.

The energy firmhas begun a 45- day consultation period with contractors to help those affected find other employment. It is thought that both the English and French Governments are aiming to have a deal in place by June but EDF says it is no longer willing to continue funding work on the site until an agreement has been reached.

Phil Whitehurst, national officer for the GMB, the union for energy and engineering construction workers, called the “devastating”.

He said: “The news from EDF that a 45-day consultation for redundancy will start regarding 400 employees on the Hinkley Point C project is devastating.

“Let us not forget that this is the second time this process has been initiated by EDF. “Questions now need to be answered by the French Government- owned company whether they will complete the new-build.

“This should now be a wake-up call for the next UK Government to take charge, and manage the failing energy policy that we now have in place.

“We cannot tolerate our energy new-build destiny being managed by companies who are in such disarray on funding when so deep into a projects development.

“If we do then the lights will surely go out."

A statement from EDF said: “EDF Energy has carried out extensive work with its contract partners to make the Hinkley Point C project ready for a final investment decision.

“The company has invested significantly in a series of preparatory activities including site preparations (earthworks, drainage works and culverts, concrete production facilities and welfare facilities) and roadworks.

“These works are now nearing completion.

The next phase of work on site and in the associated developments will require a substantial increase in spending levels, and will begin as soon as the final investment decision has been made.”

However work in areas around the site such as Taunton Road/ Broadway in Bridgwater, the Washford Cross roundabout in West Somerset and the Cannington bypass will be completed on schedule.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset said: “I’m still confident a deal can be reached.

“Both the British and the French governments are aiming to make a final decision in June.”

With significant investment having already been pumped into Bridgwater in anticipation of the Hinkley C project further delays on the site have not been welcomed by the town’s traders.

Steve Leahy, chairman of the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, told the Mercury he is also still confident the deal will get the go-ahead but admitted that it needs to happen soon.

Bridgwater Mercury: Chamber of commerce chairman Steve Leahy.

STEVE LEAHY

He said: “There’s been so much expectation now from businesses – a lot of them are gearing up for Hinkley – so it would be pretty disastrous if it didn’t happen now.

“The delays haven’t helped the confidence in local businesses but hopefully final investment decision will be made sooner rather than later.”