A MULTI-BILLION pound tidal lagoon could bring thousands of jobs to Burnham.

Bridgwater Bay has been chosen as the site for only the world’s second such lagoon which could mean cheaper electricity for hundreds of thousands of homes.

The firm behind the project is expected to start work on a smaller scheme in Swansea Bay next year and believes the coast near Burnham is ideal for the revolutionary technique.

Steve Mewes, Consultation Manager with the Tidal Lagoon Company will outline the details at a public meeting later this month.

He said: “I approached the Minehead and Quantocks Rotary Club to outline the proposals and their members felt that the subject needed a much larger audience. We are expecting the final approval for our scheme in Swansea Bay soon and would now like to gauge local opinions in Minehead.”

As well as providing cheaper electricity, the lagoon is expected to become a huge tourist attraction providing a venue for water sports, such as sailing and triathlons.

It could also enhance the lucrative oyster farming enterprise and the public would be able to walk or ride along the lagoon wall and observe the turbines at an information and educational centre.

The lagoon, which could be up to 14km long, would be illuminated at night which could raise objections, and enclose a large area of Minehead and Bridgwater Bay.

A spokesman for the Tidal Lagoon Company said the meeting would be an opportunity for local people to gauge the size of the project.

“The Bridgwater scheme is considerably larger than that planned in Swansea. It would create more jobs and cost more to build. I cannot say too much at the moment but fuller details will be given at the Minehead meeting.

“There will be ample opportunity for those attending to raise questions and make observations.”