SIR — Although I did not see Cllr Chris Morgan's letter to which she refers, I was a little surprised by Lesley Flash's comments (Your Letters March 25) which did not seem to reflect my understanding of the situation regarding the Hinkley Point C development and seem somewhat unfair on EDF Energy.

Recently I took the trouble to obtain a copy of their latest consultation document.

This clearly demonstrates that they have invested considerable time and resources in designing plans for the new power station at Hinkley Point that take account of local feedback.

The consultation highlighted several areas, such as a reduction in the size of campuses for workers and a significant increase in community funding, clearly demonstrating that local views had been listened to and had resulted in changes being made.

Lesley also appears to consider only one side of a very important and complex energy scene both locally and nationally, neglecting completely the benefits which Hinkley Point has delivered in the past and, with the new developments, will deliver in the future.

The county has already benefitted in several ways - for example, employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements and developments in education to name but a few - since the building of the first nuclear power station at Hinkley in the 1960s.

Going forward, EDF has agreed an investment of £100m which will deliver lasting benefits, a big boost to tourism and economic prosperity in the area and the creation of about 5,000 jobs for Somerset people.

Nationally, Hinkley Point will significantly contribute to the Government's declared intent (Climate Change Act, 2008) to achieve a 34 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 and an 80 per cent reduction by 2050, creating a low carbon future for generations to come.

It will also provide clean, secure and affordable electrical energy supplies for our children and grandchildren.

This seems to be a compelling vision by any standard and one that satisfies local needs and national aspirations.

Clearly the council has an important role to play in assessing and, where required, constructively challenging EDF's plans and, based on the changes already made to the proposal, seems to have achieved some success.

However, it needs to do more to demonstrate that this is a strategic opportunity that must be grasped on behalf of the nation and in particular the people of Somerset, the majority of whom seem to support plans for a new nuclear power station.

Otherwise and contrary to Lesley's opinion, the council will appear increasingly out of touch with the people it should represent.

John E Earp,