Burnham and Highbridge are set to gain from the news that the Government is to guarantee £2bn of investment into Hinkley C.

Chancellor George Osborne said the Government will back the deal which sees the Chinese Government invest in the nuclear power station opposite Burnham on the coast. It follows the stalling of EDF’s input into the scheme due to financial and technical issues.

On a visit to the Asian super power the Chancellor also said there could be further collaboration with the one-party Communist state in the building of future power stations in the UK.

The MP James Heappey said he was thrilled with the news at it would lead to new jobs in the area and new opportunities for young people. He said: "I am delighted the Government has unlocked the negotiations as Hinkley represents a huge opportunity for employment, investment and supply chain contracts for Burnham and Highbridge."

Somerset’s £24.5bn power station would be Britain's first new nuclear plant for 20 years and is expected to provide power for about 60 years and up to seven percent of Britain's electricity needs.

However EDF will continue to control the venture despite the Government and the Chinese adding financial muscle as they have been guaranteed a minimum price of £89.50 per MW hour for 35 years. It’s a figure and a deal that has been slammed by opponents of nuclear energy.

Somerset County Council also welcomed the news. Deputy Leader said: “The construction and operation of the plant will bring millions of pounds-worth of investment in our infrastructure and our communities will be set to benefit hugely from the creation of thousands of jobs in Somerset.”

Prospect, the trade union who represent many of the workers in the industry were equally pleased. Garry Graham of the union said: "The construction of Hinkley C will create 25,000 highly skilled and good quality jobs. The key challenge for the UK economy now will be to ensure that we invest in skills so that we have the capacity and capability to build and operate a new fleet of nuclear reactors not only at Hinkley, but also Sizewell, Wylfa, Moorside and Bradwell.”

He said it would pave the way for more power stations and “provide low carbon base-load generation for decades to come.”

There has been speculation that the French and Chinese heads of state will visit Bridgwater in October to seal the deal. Mr Liddell-Grainger said it was unlikely they would arrive by car due to security concerns and thought it would be unlikely they would visit Hinkley with David Cameron but admitted that “nothing could be ruled out.”

However there is opposition from a number of groups and individuals including Stop Hinkley and The Green Party who believe the money should be spent on investing in wind, sun, tidal and water power which carry no risks to the environment. MEP Molly Scott Cato said: "“It is astonishing that the government will go begging the Chinese for money in the middle of a stock market crisis while neglecting our incredible renewable resources in the South West. The Navitus off-shore wind development in Dorset alone would have secured enough energy to power 700,000 homes."