PRESSURE is for mounting for EDF to include a Bridgwater bypass as part of its transport plans for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley.

Crowds turned out to a public meeting looking at the energy company’s reasons for refusal after 1,400 people signed a petition saying they should not be allowed to start work on the plant until a bypass is built.

EDF has said the idea had been ruled out for environmental reasons and the length of time it would take to construct.

The petition was presented to Sedgemoor District Council, which does not have the power to permit or refuse permission to build Hinkley Point C, but it will be asked to submit a report to the Infrastructure Planning Commission on the local impact of the proposed development.

The scrutiny committee has now urged EDF not to submit a development consent application until the impact the building will have on traffic is fully assessed.

The all-day meeting was held at the YMCA, Friarn Street, and was attended by representatives of parish councils and wards as well as from EDF Energy.