COUNCIL chiefs have sent a war cry to residents to pile pressure on to the French energy giant behind the proposed Hinkley Point C.

EDF Energy promises a £1 million community pot to fund a host of schemes such as sports facilities and children's play parks.

But Sedgemoor District Council chief executive Kerry Rickards called this sum "way off the mark" and is calling upon residents district-wide to demand millions of pound more from the company.

He believes the sum is insufficient to compensate the area for years of disruption.

Mr Rickards said: "It's impossible to say an exact figure as to how much the area should get or deserves from EDF – but it's got to be a heck of a lot more than £1 million. The area will be disrupted until it is built in 2017 and during the 60 years it's operational.

There will be huge strain on roads, housing and people."

Mr Rickards believes if the company's build disturbs the infrastructure then EDF should contribute towards facilities such as the new Bridgwater hospital and swimming pool.

He said: "We could get a bigger and better new Bridgwater hospital with funding and also more than one pool, or, at least, a much fancier pool than the one planned."

In response, EDF said Hinkley C's benefits were way beyond the community fund, but declined to discuss specific projects.

As previously stated, a spokesman said the build would contribute £100 million-a-year to the area during construction and £40 million-a-year during its operational time.