A NEW nuclear power station at Hinkley Point would be an ideal opportunity to improve the road journey between the M5 at Bridgwater and West Somerset, according to the area's MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.

British Energy has indicated that Hinkley is an ideal site for a new-build power station and it is only in competition with one other - Sizewell.

If it gets the go-ahead - creating 900 full-time jobs - there would be "a lot of money" to spend as part of the package, said Mr Liddell-Grainger.

He added: "It would be an excellent opportunity for us to improve the infrastructure.

"I'm very keen to push for the Parrett sluice to control water coming up so that it doesn't backlog over the Levels.

"There would then be a chance to push for a road over the Parrett sluice, by-passing Bridgwater. That would make the journey to Minehead a bit quicker.

"The saved minutes could only be good news for locals but, also, visitors are more likely to return if they find a journey is straightforward - so it might also encourage holidaymakers."