SIR — I feel I have to respond to the recent letters from Mr Clifford and Mr Messarra regarding what slice of EdF's £20m cake Porlock and Exmoor should be getting.

EdF have "offered" a £20m Community fund package. There is the clue "offered". Are we accepting that then?

If there is any benefit to be derived from this project that would have a positive effect for Exmoor and Porlock, it would be investment in road infrastructure between the M5 and Cannington.

New swimming pools, leisure centres, community halls are all very laudable, but so is sustainable tourism.

How will tourists cope with one HGV movement every three minutes (both directions) between Bridgwater and Cannington? How long before they decide that West Somerset is a no-go area?

EdF aren't even prepared to make any positive gestures to the hosting parish.

Stogursey School is desperate for a new classroom. It is highly likely that with upwards of 5,000 workers coming into the area, the school will grow considerably.

When asked, EdF suggested that funding for the new classroom come out of the £250,000 community fund for the parish!

When Hinkley C starts generating electricity, at today's prices it will be making £5 million per day, and you're happy to start spending the "offered" £20m?

There seems to be an assumption that the district council is sitting on its hands and doing nothing. This couldn't be further from the truth.

It is working extremely hard at negotiating a long-term sustainable financial package that will benefit the district in the foreseeable future.

The area that will have to see investment is the hosting parish, then out across the whole district.

Remember, there are local residents desperately trying to sell their homes. Homes, the place that they have loved and cared for many years, but that now will be subjected to 24-hour noise and light.

It is unlikely that Shurton and Burton will see night time for the next ten years.

A new swimming pool in Minehead won't compensate them for the loss of their homes!

Chris Morgan,

Deputy Leader,

West Somerset Council.