SIR — The last week has been a momentous one for Bridgwater, Somerset and the UK.

In fact, the Government’s decision on Hinkley Point C is one that has been making headlines across the world – that’s how big a deal this is.

Now the announcement has finally come, we can truly start to maximise the many benefits for our communities and businesses.

Yes, it’s been a long time coming, but let’s not forget that the development at Hinkley is of national importance.

As such, it’s a decision that has been taken on a national level and like any government decision it will have its supporters and its detractors.

Our job in Somerset – at county and district council level - is to make sure we make the most of the unprecedented opportunities for the economy of Bridgwater, of Somerset and of the entire South West.

As the largest civil engineering project in Europe, the construction of Hinkley Point C is also the UK’s largest inward investment project.

The figures associated with this once-in-a-generation build are enormous - the power station is expected to provide at least 26,000 jobs during construction and 900 jobs throughout its planned 60-year operating life.

During construction alone, the project is expected to bring £200 million to the local economy whilst over the lifetime of the project the regional economy is set to benefit by around £4 billion.

Somerset County Council is committed to ensuring that the businesses and residents of Somerset fully benefit from the opportunities the project will bring.

One example is the Somerset Energy Innovation Centre located at Woodlands Business Park near junction 23 at Dunball.

Opened earlier this year, the centre provides a focus for innovation and collaboration projects linked to nuclear and other forms of low carbon energy.

It is a hub for local businesses with high growth potential and inward investors seeking to collaborate and exploit opportunities in the growing low carbon and nuclear energy sectors.

The centre already houses a range of companies involved in the Hinkley supply chain, from construction to manufacturing to design and catering.

As I have said before, a project of this scale will without doubt cause some disruption. It will be important to keep focused on the bigger picture, particularly the advantages that I have pointed out above.

Let us focus on maximising the economic advantages of Hinkley Point C to Somerset so that it leaves a sustainable legacy from its construction which will benefit our county for generations to come.

These are exciting times for Bridgwater, for Somerset and for the entire South West region.

I consider it a huge privilege to have been elected to do my very best for the region at a time of such great opportunity.

David Hall,

Deputy Leader,

Somerset County Council.