RESIDENTS in the village of Stawell have been campaigning to try and stop a holiday caravan site changing to accommodate Hinkley workers.

MORE than 86 people turned out at a recent parish council meeting appealing for the application to be refused for The Hideout, caravan and camping park at Flitchett's Farm.

The owners of The Hideout have applied to extend their seasonal touring site licence April to October from 15 tents and five caravans, to twenty caravans for year-round use by Hinkley Point workers/contractors.

One of the campaigners, Sharon Butt said: "Given that the location is in a remote position, with no local amenities, a road system that is inadequate for caravans and increased traffic, we do not think this application is appropriate.

"The residents attended a recent parish council meeting en masse to express their concerns and 130 have signed a petition for the Sedgemoor District Council development committee members to consider," she added.

"I have lived here for 35 years

Hugh Gange-Harris, Stawell resident added: "It just seems that this is a test case. Seems to be a lot of pressure for it to go ahead and we are worried it will be pushed through regardless of what the residents think."

"It sets a big precedent if it goes ahead. We know EDF need a huge amount of places for people to stay during the construction of Hinkley C but these places should be well-thought-through and in the right place."

On the planning application it states that the site is currently a popular destination for families visiting the West Country.

"However, this is seasonal and with the commencement of works at Hinkley Point C, provides an opportunity to diversify the business to all year-round and offer alternative provision for contractors, who do not wish to stay in bed and breakfast accommodation/hotels or rented accommodation in the town centre and who will return to their family homes when they are off-shift," the application states.

Another member of the Save Our Stawell campaign group, Paul Turner said: "The application hinges on EDF providing a mini-bus but no such service has been agreed, and even then workers are not obliged to use it.

"We have few pavements, no street lighting, few passing places and surrounding lanes are prone to flooding in the winter."

EDF have said they do not wish to comment at this stage. The Hideout has also been contacted but have also not commented.