A COMMUNITY investment of £100 million announced by EDF Energy has received a mixed response from West Somerset Council.

Council leader Tim Taylor welcomed the news but called for more to be done to address the impact of a new build at Hinkley C.

EDF promises the cash will be of lasting benefit by improving the quality of life for local people and investing in infrastructure.

Cllr Tim Taylor, leader of West Somerset Council, said: “In some areas the progress is very pleasing.

“We note the proposed switch of the Williton park-and-ride to the Smithsyard lorry park and welcome the delivery of a roundabout at Washford Cross.”

He stressed concerns about affordable housing needed to be addressed and added: “The £20m community fund is a step in the right direction but in many areas there is still some way to go.”

The community fund represents an increase on the original £1million for contributions to housing, colleges, skills and services.

Richard Mayson, EDF’s director of planning and external affairs, said: “We recognise that we needed to increase the support we will provide to the local community.”

Accommodation is expected to be left as a legacy after construction of the nuclear power station.

In total, EDF plans to spend £300million on the community and mitigating the impacts of the project.

A consultation focusing on changes to the plans since the last consultation will end on March 28.

Crispin Aubrey, a spokesman for the Stop Hinkley campaign, said the figure was ‘tiny compared to the estimated £10 billion cost of building the two reactors.

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