A SCHOOL'S land would be split in two by French energy giant EDF's proposals for road links to a planned new nuclear power station.

Governors of Brymore School of Rural Technology at Cannington are considering their response to EDF's proposals to route a bypass for traffic heading to and from the proposed Hinkley C station across its land.

The controversial construction road would cut across the school's tree-lined drive.

Many villagers are opposed to the road and say EDF should build a new road to the north, avoiding Cannington and linking Hinkley directly with Dunball Wharf at Junction 23 of the M5.

Governors have invited parents to make their comments, either directly to EDF or by signing a response letter that will be available at the school at the beginning of next term.

Brymore, a boys-only state boarding school, has its own 60-acre farm with cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry and a high reputation for teaching rural technology skills to students aged from 13-17.

Its management is soon to come under a new trust being set up between the school, Bridgwater College and Somerset county council.

Some residents fear the EDF plan could make the school vulnerable to absorption within neighbouring Cannington Centre for land-based studies, which is itself part of Bridgwater College.

Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainger backs Save Cannington Action Group's call for a new road to be built north of the village, from Dunball Island directly to Hinkley Point, crossing the river Parrett.

It would relieve traffic pressure on Bridgwater and the A39 west of the town, and allow used fuel to be shipped out avoiding public roads.

Alan Beasley, from the action group, said: "We believe a dedicated road is the answer. It is in the best interests of everyone, including the people of Bridgwater.

"It would benefit the whole area and take a major problem away from the area in one go."

The action group proposes a two-lane road that is designed to carry construction and decommissioning traffic, as well as frequent use by power station service equipment, including used-fuel flasks of 100 tonnes plus.