SIR — Regards the proposals by EDF Energy for an additional power station at Hinkley Point, as well as the power station there will be the infrastructure in the build period with the suggested park and ride and hostel sites at Williton.

First of all may I make it clear I have no issues regarding the new power station, I am conscious of the need and that we cannot continue wasting unrenewable resources.

We in Cannington are troubled with the thought of the area being "absorbed" by the influx of workers who will be over-using and abusing our restricted facilities.

There is a risk we could become a "Frontier Town" and that there will be social issues such as drunkenness, drugs, noise etc.

I recall from my days living in Watchet that we had the Army camp, but at least the soldiers were disciplined and trained men and there were penalties imposed within the camp should any squaddie step over the line.

In this case we are looking at workers from all reaches of Eastern Europe who will work hard and possibly play hard.

Some of us as Cannington residents have further concerns regard noise from the proposed freight transfers and light pollution from the park and ride areas which will make the outskirts of the village look like the car-park at Bristol Airport.

The surfaced areas will have water run-off problems which will add to the rivers and streams.

I noted in the Free Press the stipulation prior to the public meeting at Danesfield last Monday night that all questions needed to be posted in advance and there was an allocated time slot of three minutes per speaker.

I find it inconceivable that your represented body of councillors would not allow the electorate (who put them there) to have a decent input.

We in Cannington have had some lively meetings with the parish council and they have allowed open sessions prior to the meetings.

In addition they have taken part in the consultation process and listened to what we villagers have to say.

Whether privately they agree with us is another matter, but they are listening, and have convened extraordinary meetings and have invited the entire village to attend. They have even dropped questionnaires through letter boxes.

The rationale is that they will formulate and consider what is best for the village once they have our sentiments.

We have a co-ordinated group (action team) who are working with the best interests of our village at heart; I trust the people of Williton are looking at the bigger picture as well.

Can I ask you in Williton to consider why the need for what is on offer in Williton? Where are these people that will use the park and ride etc coming from, and what transport means will be used down the narrow lanes from the top of Kilve hill?

Also what happens to the land and facilities that will remain when the build of Hinkley Point C is complete?

There will be services laid on; does that mean more housing long term, an expensive skateboard park or waste land?

Finally the reparations to sweeten the deal - what are they offering, do you need it and who bears the maintenance costs etc when they the workforce have long gone?

Alex Reed,

Brownings Road,

Cannington.