SEDGEMOOR is “Hinkley ready” as the multi-billion pound nuclear power plant looks set to get the go ahead, according to the district council.

After months of delays and rumours, energy giant EDF will hold a board meeting in London today where Hinkley Point C is reportedly set to be given the green light when members make their Final Investment Decision (FID).

It is welcome news for the area, with thousands of jobs set to be created and millions of pounds ready to be ploughed into the area if approved.

News of the FID comes as new chancellor Philip Hammond pledged his backing for the project, saying the new Government “must make sure” it goes ahead.

The board meeting comes after a consultation period with French unions came to an end.

If given the go ahead, there would be two new reactors built at the site.

Announcing the meeting, EDF said Hinkley Point C is a crucial part of the UK’s future energy mix, providing seven per cent of the country’s total electricity needs when up and running in 2025.

A report published by the National Audit Office reported the plant could cost around £37 billion.

Now, Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) has said it is ready and waiting for the power plant to be built.

Cllr Duncan McGinty, leader of SDC, said: “The board of EDF Energy is meeting on Thursday, July 28, and the agenda includes the final investment decision for the construction of two EPR reactors at Hinkley Point C (HPC).

“Given the recent turbulent political times in the UK, I am heartened that both Phil Hammond, the chancellor, and Mrs May as PM have taken time to give resounding public backing to HPC.

“We have no reason to believe that a decision will not be made. The HPC project is a major element of the group’s capital programme.

“I can assure you, that after eight years in the planning, Sedgemoor District Council is Hinkley ‘ready’ and have staff in place to support and implement the project to maximise benefit to local people and businesses as well as minimise impacts.

“SDC has been working with EDF Energy locally, and with local businesses and contractors, helping them to prepare and get the necessary skills that will be needed.

“Sedgemoor is ready to engage with contractors and the wider supply chain to help to accommodate them locally and create a long lasting positive economic legacy from the construction project.”

Cllr McGinty also said residents should not be worried about the reported increasing costs for the project.

He said: “The costs of construction fall upon the developer EDF Energy, this will be the first construction of a nuclear power plant that will provide for decommissioning within those construction costs.

“The strike price agreed between EDF Energy and the British Government, while higher than the current cost of electricity, is still cheaper than the agreed price for electricity generated by wind.

“It is important that the country has a broad mix of electricity generation, the base load provided by Hinkley C will allow for other non-carbon forms of generation to be developed.”