COMMUNITIES in Sedgemoor are set to receive a share of £30 million from EDF Energy designed to limit the impact of preparation works at Hinkley Point C.

A legal document known as Section 106 has been signed by West Somerset Council, EDF and Lady Gass releasing funding for housing, transport, leisure facilities and a number of other things aimed at offsetting the effects of the development on people in the area.

Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater College and emergency services are among the organisations due to receive money from the package, while the community impact mitigation fund includes £500,000 set aside for Stogursey, the parish closest to the site, and Cannington.

Sedgemoor District Council leader, Duncan McGinty, said: “We hope that the money set aside for skills and training can be used in time to help ensure local people can take advantage of the jobs that will be created if the main scheme goes ahead.

“It is clear from the work we are doing with colleagues in other authorities on the impact the project is likely to have on all our lives, that it is important to have in place the right safeguards, mitigation and compensation packages.”

A board will also established as part of the agreement with two representatives from each of Sedgemoor District Council, West Somerset Council, Somerset County Council and EDF, which will make recommendations about further contributions.

Richard Mayson of EDF said: “We are very aware of the impacts the preparatory works will have on the local area, so we have worked very hard with the local authority to identify and mitigate the impacts and bring forward improvements to local services and facilities.”