A THIRD nuclear power station at Hinkley Point could pump nearly £3 BILLION into the local economy, a new study has predicted.

A report released on Monday by the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development predicts the construction period alone would be worth £500million to the area over five years.

And during the 60-year lifespan of Hinkley C, the area can expect an injection of £40million annually, equating to another £2.4billion in total.

An event took place on Tuesday at the Exchange centre in Bridgwater, where local suppliers found out how they could get their hands on some of the lucrative contracts.

EDF said more details would be released soon about its plans for a new construction skills centre in Sedgemoor, and an apprenticeship skills hub in West Somerset, designed to help the area cope with the new jobs being created.

Burnham and Highbridge town councillor and Hinkley Point stakeholder committee member Neville Jones said it was important people in the two towns were given as much chance to take up the new jobs as those in Bridgwater and surrounding areas.

He said: “I think there should be a collection point for vehicles in the Isleport Business Park in Highbridge so local people can drop off their cars and catch a bus to the site.”

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson from EDF said: “There are major opportunities not just for local companies such as builders, plumbers and electricians, but also for support services such as caterers, hoteliers, car hire firms and trainers.”