THE major developments proposed for the Bridgwater area are creating a surge in interest from housing developers, say experts.

Land agents CJH Land told the Mercury thousands of people from across Europe would be enticed by jobs at Hinkley Point C and the new Morrisons centres.

Matthew Hiles, from CJH, said Bridgwater was extremely well-placed to meet the likely surge in housing demand because it has close access to two motorway junctions and there is plenty of land to build on.

He said: “Bridgwater used to have the feel of a bit of a backwater and a secondary location, partly due to the smell created by the Cellophane factory.

“I think people see Bridgwater in a much better light today and many developers are keen to build in the locality as there is a lot of activity now and for the future.”

However, while local politicians have welcomed the creation of jobs, some say our local infrastructure is not well-placed to cope with a housing boom.

County councillor for Puriton, Mark Healey, said: “We have a major road infrastructure problem and the people we want to come here and create wealth will just bypass us.”

Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said Bridgwater had more jobs and opportunities than any other town in the South-West, but said he shared the concerns about local infrastructure.

Should we be grateful for so much development - or is it all too much, too soon? Have your say here.