The Government’s choice of Bridgwater as the site of a new National College for Nuclear will confirm the town’s emerging role as a hub of the nuclear energy sector, says the town’s MP.
And Conservative Ian Liddell-Grainger says he is equally delighted by the announcement of a new Enterprise Zone at the nearby Huntspill Energy Park.
Both developments are confirmed in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and, says Mr Liddell-Grainger, will result in a steady supply of well-paid jobs in Sedgemoor.
The college is one of five new national facilities the Government is setting up and will complement nuclear-related training already being provided by EdF in its new unit at Cannington.
The enterprise zone will enable the local authority to retain a greater share of business rate income and will offer discounted rates to incoming businesses.
Mr Liddell-Grainger said local authorities and the Local Enterprise Partnership had lobbied long and hard for Bridgwater’s strategic importance to be recognised.
“I am absolutely thrilled by what amounts to a double vote of confidence in this area by the Government,” he said.
“It’s going to mean long-term economic stability and a guaranteed supply of well-paid jobs for local young people. Their future has suddenly got a lot brighter.”