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The latest measures to improve social distancing at Hinkley Point C have been welcomed as the country continues to negotiate life under a coronavirus lockdown.

Numerous workers at the construction site of Britain's first nuclear power plant in decades have expressed their concerns about the perceived lack of social distancing measures.

French energy giant behind the multi-billion pound project, EDF, had already slashed its workforce to around 2,000 and implemented further social distancing measures.

Further measures confirmed on Wednesday (April 1) state any site workers using local accommodation will now be housed at Hinkley Point C’s two campus sites.

Bus pick-up stops used by workers in Bridgwater will no longer be used from Monday (April 6) and buses will instead collect and return passengers at its three secure park and ride locations.

Pick-ups from village locations outside Bridgwater will also be phased out "as quickly as possible", EDF confirmed.

The energy giant said it was continuing with the project to build Hinkley Point C but the "safety of workers and the community" was paramount.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, Bridgwater and West Somerset Conservative MP, said he was greatly reassured by the new measures EDF were putting in place.

He said: Hinkley Point C is not a simple construction project like a housing development which can be halted and restarted as circumstances demand.

“It is a critical national infrastructure project, which gives it a particular priority. It’s also a continuous-process, high-precision project and there a number of aspects of it, particularly concrete pouring, which absolutely have to continue regardless in order to guarantee the integrity of the completed building.

(Image: EDF)

“EDF has now put in place the most stringent measures to limit contact between site workers and the local community and I am grateful to them for doing so.

"As long as everyone observes the rules to the letter the risks will be reduced to as close as zero as it is humanly possible to get.

"Naturally these are anxious times for everyone involved in the project but I am encouraged by the fact that EDF is saying that if further safety measures are demanded of it then they will be implemented."

Councillor Leigh Redman, spokesman for Bridgwater Town Council on Hinkley Point C matters, welcomed the news to help protect works on-site.

Yet he was "concerned" about the removal of bus stops as some workers may not be able to drive to one of their park and ride locations.

He said: "I am pleased that Hinkley Point C has taken further steps to protect their staff, as well as increasing spacing on-site and in transit, our concerns were around the potential impacts of staff travelling home at weekends then living the week in town, with journeys in some cases as far as London & Scotland, ramping up the use of their accommodation campuses and consequently reducing transient staff in town must be a good thing.

"I am however concerned that the removal of all the Bridgwater stops could be counterintuitive, many local residents who work on-site don't have cars or will need to take needless journeys to find a way to one of the secure parks.

"I think I understand some of the reasons the site is staying open. The need to ensure the nuclear concrete pour is as continuous as possible is just one reason, once complete I do hope, for staff and residents, the on-site staff can be further reduced through furloughing.

"In acknowledging these actions is important to recognise that Hinkley Point C has listened to our concerns."

Chris Morgan, chairman of the nearby Stogursey Parish Council, remains "increasingly concerned" about workers living in the area amid the coronavirus outbreak.

While he has previously welcomed the Hinkley Point C project and its workers living in the area, he is concerned any worker carrying COVID-19 could harm one of the area's "vulnerable residents".

He said: "Although it's good that EDF has reduced the number of workers 'on-site', they have not reduced the number of workers within this, or any other village/town.

Got a view on this story or is there another issue you want us to investigate? Do you have an opinion on this story? Do you have a story or issue in Bridgwater, Taunton or West Somerset story you want us to investigate? If so, please get in touch with reporter Michael Taylor who covers the area for Somerset Live. You can get in touch with him via: Email: michael.taylor@reachplc.com; Tweet: @JournoMikeT; Call: 07790590652

"The workforce continues to leave on EDF transport, spend a shift together, then return on EDF transport to their place of residence.

"They then use local shops to get their food, drink, personal requirements before going back to their room or flat.

"With several HMO's in Stogursey, there will be a perfectly natural temptation to meet/gather together for a drink, or a meal etc."

He added: "This is a small rural area with a great many vulnerable residents.

"This area is hosting a massive construction project, absorbing a huge influx of workers and being subject now to the potential of being contaminated due to financial considerations, not reasons considering the greater good.

"At any other time, and certainly prior to these dreadful times, we have enjoyed the company of the workforce sharing our village.

"Great group of people, friendly, generous and great fun. But now we have to be practical.

"If the advice from central government is that we isolate, then we isolate.

"We don't isolate a bit! We don't isolate only if it suits our purpose."