SIR — I must say I am surprised that West Somerset Council decided to send a larger delegation to the French nuclear power station than neighbouring councils (Free Press May 7), but there again the build is in its zone, so I suppose that is some mitigation.

However, I must applaud Cllr Knight who "got on his bike" and looked locally. Perhaps he doesn't care too much for French wine.

I note Cllr Knight's comment regarding the proposed size and fully agree. EDF stated that this build operation will be the largest of its kind ever seen, and the site plans confirm that. It looks on the map as if it will almost reach the Shurton Inn.

As Cllr Knight says, the size would absorb Williton.

In comparison, the proposed ancillary infrastructure for car parks, hostels and freight depots will absorb Cannington. I gather similar is on offer regards hostels etc for Williton, but on a smaller scale.

I am equally impressed by the West Somerset Council lodging an objection to trial digging of trenches in Shurton.

Regretably, we in the Sedgemoor area were not so fortunate. EDF have gone ahead and carried out trial diggings in Cannington despite the residents making it very clear such investigations were not wanted in our village.

It all seems to be a display of arrogance on the part of EDF to attempt to surge forward at this intermediate stage.

The whole matter is in abeyance pending the result of the Infrastructure Planning Committee, the findings of which are due out later this summer. It has been apparent from the beginning that EDF are attempting to Blitzkrieg its way through.

The communication stream from EDF is rather poor when it comes to the local population; I find that they only respond to letters when chased. It may work in France, but not here.

I know they have had drop in sessions and have lots of displays available, but when it comes to us simple country folk, we are being left to man the barricades ourselves.

The chief liaison officer from EDF, Simon Dunford, is moving on, so we now have to set up a rapport with his successor, whose previous experience was the armed forces until very recently.

The whole affair is reminiscent of Tom Sharpe's excellent book "Blott on the Landscape", even to the point of the army getting involved. All we need is Lady Maude Lynchwood and we will be safe.

Alex Reed,

Cannington.