PLANS to construct Britain's first nuclear power plant in 18 years, just 14 miles across the sea from Barry Island, have been unexpectedly postponed until the autumn.
Contracts for the £18 billion Hinkley Point C nuclear plant were expected to have been signed Friday.
In an unexpected move, the government announced the launch of a review into the project, with business secretary Greg Clark insisting that the government would now "consider carefully all the component parts" of the project.
With the French giant EDF and Chinese China General Nuclear (CGN) - which has a one-third share in the nuclear plant - left surprised by the recent news, warnings have been issued that thousands of jobs were now at risk.
Critics of the plan believe that a combination of "extortionate" prices and fears of Chinese espionage have caused the change.
Keith Stockdale, who has been a member of Barry and Vale Friends of the Earth for more than 20 years, said: "We've been opposed to Hinkley for years.
"Millions and millions of pounds have been wasted already on the project.
"We don't want a nuclear station facing us in Barry when drinking at Marco's.
"There are plenty of alternatives - Swansea Lagoon is the first idea. But there's also offshore and onshore wind turbines."
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