PROTESTORS wearing badger masks chained themselves to the entrance of Hinkley Point B power station near Burnham on Monday.

Anti-nuclear campaigners from the Stop Nuclear Power Network arrived at 7am to blockade the access road in protest at EDF Energy's consultation into its plans for a third station.

A group spokesman said: “What kind of democracy is this if the most important question - whether we want to expose ourselves and coming generations to nuclear danger and radioactive waste - is not part of the consultation?”

They wore badger masks as they claim a third station would lead to the destruction of wildlife habitats near Bridgwater Bay.

EDF insists it is a “valued part of the community and local economy”, and the “overwhelming majority” of local residents support the plans.

David Eccles, head of EDF's Bridgwater office, said: “We have just concluded our stage two consultation and have engaged with a very wide range of stakeholders so that their comments can inform our plans.”

He added: “We will ensure that any significant adverse effects of the construction, operation or decommissioning of the power station are appropriately mitigated in a way which is environmentally responsible and sensitive both to the needs of the community and to the strategies of the relevant local authorities."

Police were called but confirmed no arrests were made.