IT’S been much debated but now it’s official – the A39 at Washford Cross will get a roundabout if EDF Energy’s plans for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point are approved.

The energy firm must build the roundabout before work begins on the nuclear facility as it forms one of several preliminary works to be carried out at the site earmarked for Hinkley C.

It will serve a new park and ride planned by EDF at the nearby Smithyard Terminal for Hinkley construction works if it eventually receives permission for the nuclear station.

A spokesperson for West Somerset Council confirmed the legal agreement committing EDF to work on the roundabout has been signed.

Residents living nearby have long called for a roundabout at the site in response to a steadily increasing number of motor accidents.

But Chris Moiser, who owns nearby zoo Tropiquaria, is unconvinced a roundabout would improve the situation.

He said: “I’m not personally convinced that a roundabout will stop the accidents on that road – it may just end up shifting them somewhere else.

“From what I’ve seen, the last few accidents that happened down there came about because of people getting confused by how many road signs that area has and not knowing where to go.

“There are about 14 road signs on that stretch and some drivers are so busy trying to take in what they’re saying that they end up in an accident.”

An EDF spokesperson was unavailable for comment.