MINEHEAD would be the perfect location for a hostel for Hinkley Point workers, according to the town's Chamber of Trade.

The group claims Minehead should be the first choice for new accommodation facilities for the hundreds of workers that will be necessary to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley.

Currently, potential hostel sites have been earmarked in Williton, Cannington and Bridgwater.

Only last week, Williton villagers told would-be Hinkley C developer EDF Energy they did not want a 200-bed accommodation block for contractors on their doorstep and urged the company to look elsewhere.

Now Minehead Chamber of Trade is calling for EDF to look for a site in the seaside town, claiming the additional workers would be good news for local businesses.

In a response to the current consultation being carried out by EDF, the chamber said it welcomed the proposed new power station and the jobs it would provide.

The statement said: "Minehead Chamber of Trade and Commerce supports the development at Hinkley, as it would for a new-build hostel being located in Minehead.

"The chamber thinks that Minehead is a more suitable location than Williton but realises that some local extra facilities may be required.

"This will help ensure that West Somerset sees the benefit of the increase in population rather than neighbouring districts."

The chamber said it was vital the existing A39 was upgraded to cope with any additional residents and workers and also called for additional money to be available to safeguard the area's tourism industry.

Members welcomed the fact B&Bs and guest house owners would be able to fill their bed spaces with construction workers in the quieter winter months, but were worried what would happen if the same bed spaces were lost for tourists in the summer.

"If the development occurs, a significant effort to either manage the loss of tourism accommodation or provide alternative accommodation for visitors will be required.

"An increase in the promotion of the whole of West Somerset as a tourism destination and improvements to the transport network will be essential," the chamber said in its response.

Members said they were concerned that an influx of workers would put pressure on the district's housing market and could lead to an increase in both rental and house prices.

They also feared many local people might miss out on new jobs at Hinkley due to a "lack of knowledge and experience", while others would make the most of the opportunity and leave a skills vacuum in their wake.

The response said: "Minehead is the primary town in West Somerset and, hence, the chamber believed the town will attract people moving into the area as they will see it as the most practical and desirable place to move to.

"The chamber welcomes this and sees the growth of Minehead and the surrounding area as essential to its members.

"This will put added pressure on the road system that is already inadequate, affecting the tourist view of the area and the quality of life for many people living in the main population areas.

"The chamber believes that the relevant authorities should be revisiting the proposed improvements to the A39 from Williton to Minehead, while immediate improvements to the West Somerset Railway and the potential of sea travel could, in the short term, help compensate the issues by drawing visitors into the area and sustaining tourism and, hence, the whole economy."

The response concluded: "The chamber is cautious of hasty short-term fixes when what is needed is significant, sensible proposals to provide a lasting long-term legacy for Minehead and West Somerset."