SOMERSET County Council has called on the Government to make a 'quick and positive' decision on Hinkley Point C.

The Government announced last night that they were going to re-assess the multi-billion pound nuclear project, after EDF board members gave the green-light for the scheme.

The news has shocked local leaders, and now Cllr David Hall, deputy leader of Somerset County Council, has written a letter to new Prime Minister Theresa May urging her to make a decisive decision on the plans.

He said: “This is a massive scheme that would bring the largest construction project in Europe to Somerset, so I can understand the new Prime Minister and her team wanting to make sure they have had every opportunity to give it their fullest scrutiny.

“I want to make it clear to the Prime Minister that the Hinkley project is very important to this County and we are here to help the Government come to its decision.”

It is expected that the Government will make a decision on the project in the early autumn.

In the letter Cllr Hall writes: ‘Hinkley Point C is of immense importance and would provide an enormous boost to the local, regional and indeed national economy.

"The county council is therefore keen to understand the process of further review and work with your Government in any way possible to help it make a positive decision at the earliest possible opportunity’.

“We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that EDF Energy’s Final Investment Decision is major step forward.

“The Somerset economy is extremely healthy, however the Hinkley Point C development is a one in a generation opportunity that would give an additional and enormous boost to confidence in our local, regional and national economy.”

To read more reaction to the announcement, click here