Somerset bosses welcome 'a positive step' (From This is The West Country)

Somerset bosses welcome 'a positive step'

11:30am Tuesday 21st February 2012 in News

ECONOMY bosses in Somerset have welcomed a positive meeting between Prime Minister David Cameron and French president Nicolas Sarkozy where the leaders expressed their commitment to nuclear power and Hinkley Point.

Following last week’s meeting in France, Somerset County Council leader Cllr Ken Maddock (pictured), said: “Somerset is at the forefront of the UK’s new nuclear development and we see this closer working relationship as a very positive step forward.

“The proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is an important project for our county and we intend to maximise any opportunities this may bring to the area.

“There are some issues still be worked out with EDF on the detail of proposals for Hinkley but we remain committed to working with them to deliver the project in time to meet the national energy gap, which also delivers economic growth locally.”

Following the meeting, EDF reconfirmed its plans to open a £15million national training centre in partnership with Bridgwater College.

It said the preferred site for the centre is the college’s existing facilities at Cannington Court, subject to design and planning permissions.

Henri Proglio, president of EDF Group, said: “The Franco-British Agreement will be a catalyst for further collaboration which will result in significant economic activity for both nations and provide an important boost to the nuclear industry in the UK and France.”