WEST Somerset Council leader Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew has expressed concern for local small businesses and the community following the Government’s decision to review Hinkley Point C.

West Somerset is the host authority for the proposed new nuclear power station and, having received support from the council, dozens of local firms are lined up ready to supply goods and services to the project.

Local communities who will be affected by the impacts of the project also continue to face uncertainty over the duration and timetable for the project and some of the key infrastructure needed to facilitate the build at HPC.

Cllr Trollope-Bellew, who welcomed EDF Energy’s Final Investment decision (FID) on Hinkley Point C on Thursday, said he understood the Government’s position.

“It’s absolutely right that the relevant parts of cabinet satisfy themselves that the basis of the agreements are sound,” he said.

“But I would urge Government to make the decision as soon as possible for the sake of the many small businesses that are waiting to support the project and the communities that are already being affected.”