Leiston: Businesses hope Sizewell C will bring a welcome boost to town

BUSINESSES in the town that will be most affected by the construction of any new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast have welcomed the boost it could bring to the local economy.

However there are some in Leiston who have a number of concerns regarding EDF’s proposals for Sizewell C.

Bosses predict the project will generate �100million a year during construction and �40m a year thereafter for the local economy, with a workforce of around 5,600 at the peak of construction and 900 permanent jobs once the power station is built.

Annette Mason-Gordon, on behalf of Leiston Business Association, said they welcomed the potential benefits it could bring in terms of increased trade for the high street and opportunities to support the local supply chain. However she said it was important EDF listened to their concerns – especially with regards to small businesses and staffing levels. “There will be increased competition for jobs, but it’s vital that businesses in the town retain key people if they are to succeed,” she said.

Chris Nichols, of Nichols Butchers, said: “I think the town needs it [Sizewell C]. Obviously there should be a knock-on effect with people drinking in the pubs, staying in the B&Bs and spending in the shops. I worked on the Sizewell B construction site and the town was very busy. I definitely welcome it.”

Jan Banks, landlady at the Engineer’s Arms pub, said: “We hope it will bring more customers into the town. It should also create more jobs for local people which will be a great boost. When Sizewell B was being built it brought in a lot of people and I would expect it to be the same for Sizewell C.”

Terry Hodgson, chairman of Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, said it would consult residents before putting forward a view.

However he did say that he had concerns over the impact of traffic and was disappointed there seemed to be no provision for a legacy of permanent housing.