There are two big public consultations going on right now. They are causing controversy, heartache and some anger.

This is where I stand.

• I am in favour of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point PROVIDED the process is properly planned and local people's genuine concerns are taken into account and dealt with decently.
• There must be a way of transmitting all that power to the National Grid. That will mean miles of cable. The question is where do you put it?

These plans will impact upon some very beautiful countryside.

EDF, the company responsible for planning Hinkley C, has run into opposition from some residents who live, either, very near the new plant or those who will be affected by the enormous and on-going construction process.

EDF is obliged to consult - it is a legal  responsibility. Please read the details for yourself.

EDF also has a duty to treat residents with respect. It is in the company's long term interests to do as much as humanly possible to allay fears and show intelligent flexibility to avoid disruption and bad feeling. If anyone feels they have not been treated properly I pledge to take the matter up at the highest level in the company.

The National Grid wants to erect pylons.

They also have a duty to consult. These are the details.

I happen to think that pylons are not pretty. But I make it my business to prevent personal feelings interfering with my duty. I believe it is my duty to represent everyone. I will therefore not take sides during the statutory consultation process. I need to be seen as impartial. What I can and will do, however, is intervene on your behalf if you think either of these important consultations has been inadequate or unfair. Please keep me up to date with developments and I am more than happy to help publicise meetings: ianliddellgrainger@hotmail.co.uk

MEETINGS

I arranged an important meeting with senior officials from DECC (the Energy Ministry) in London on March 16th. Leaders of Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District and West Somerset councils attended. The purpose was to discuss the role of the Infrastructure Planning Commission in deciding the future of  Hinkley. Much useful progress was made and information exchanged. But, inevitably, there remain important concerns about the cost of vital road improvements if Hinkley C gets the go-ahead. I will be be relentlessly pursuing these matters.

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• http://www.edfenergy.com/
• http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/