A COUNCIL boss has called for the developers of a nuclear power station that will store radioactive waste on-site to "do the decent thing" and financially compensate the community.

If the Hinkley C power station is given planning permission, developers EDF Energy will store nuclear waste on the site near Bridgwater.

Delays in legislation for nuclear developments were announced yesterday but if the French company's bid to build a twin reactor replacement wins approval, radioactive waste may be kept in Somerset for more than 100 years.

Kerry Rickards, chief executive of Sedgemoor District Council, says EDF Energy should properly compensate the community.

While EDF has proposed a package of "mitigation" measures worth around £4 million, Mr Rickards said: "My view is that if you are going to have radioactive waste stored here our communities may put up with that if they were properly compensated for becoming a willing host community. EDF is a major and credible player in the energy business but as yet the 'offer' to the host communities of West Somerset and Sedgemoor is way off the mark. It is woeful."

The package includes a one-off community payment of £1 million, with most of the rest of the £4 million going to the police, education authority and health sector to help cover the costs thousands of workers will bring.

Construction work will last five years and see an estimated 5,000 extra workers billeted in specially-built temporary accommodation as well as local B&Bs. Although a bypass will be built around the village of Cannington, many locals say the extra traffic on the A39 and other roads is bound to be disruptive. The sheer numbers of extra workers will also have an impact.

Unlike many other countries, Britain has little legislation requiring developers to compensate communities hosting nuclear power plants.

But Mr Rickards says EDF should "show it wants to be a good neighbour by agreeing to give substantial community benefits which reflect what the community is giving.

"We recognise the economic argument of the £140 million construction wage bill each year, but EDF will have a return from that investment.

"The same is true for the disturbance that will be caused."