we must shift completely to renewables or we will die.

The letter raises concerns over nuclear waste storage, nuclear accidents, and the impact of construction traffic on the county. It says that since the council agreed to write to other councils, the record flooding and storm surges in West Somerset have only deepened those concerns. And it ends, "We believe that statements of concern and opposition by local representative bodies such as yours could play a part in determining Somerset's future for the good".

A recent meeting with EDF has done nothing to allay the towns fears, according to Councillor Jon Cousins (St Edmunds Ward).

"Basically, EDF pulled out of a public meeting and sent David Eccles to our council meeting instead to tell us that Hinkley C would be good for jobs," said Mr Cousins. "He could tell us nothing about the nuclear emergency plan for Glastonbury - except that we shouldn't eat or drink anything - and assured us without a blink that EDF were prepared to store spent fuel at Hinkley Point for thousands of years".

The UK has so many better options: wind, tidal, hydro... yes they all mean changing policy, rocking the boat and being bold, but the long term benefits (both in terms of cost of energy and energy security) would surely outweigh be worth it?

I fear that our political system is so focused on willing elections and bickering internally that it is incapable of making progressive, wise decisions for the people.