COUNCIL bosses are paving the way for Bradwell’s Chinese-built nuclear plant by offering free Mandarin lessons to councillors.

Last year, EDF Energy signed a deal with China General Nuclear Power Corporation for “Bradwell B”, a greenfield site next to the former station.

Now Maldon District Council is offering its councillors the opportunity to learn Mandarin and gain and insight into Chinese culture.

Under the course offered by Essex County Council, those signing up would learn basic Mandarin, get an overview of China, learn about its society and the workplace and gain an insight into Chinese business.

Mandarin is the most widely spoken first language in the world, with a fifth of the population speaking the language.

Nadine Daines, of Maldon District Council, said: “EDF Energy and China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), long-term industrial partners, are working together to develop Bradwell B, a new nuclear power station at Bradwell-on-Sea.

“The project is currently at a pre-planning stage and it will be several years before any detailed proposals are produced.

“To celebrate this project, Essex County Council is offering Maldon District Council the opportunity to learn the basic language.”

It is understood councillors will be able to undertake 20 one-hour lessons.

But start dates and costs are dependent on interest.

The Adult Community Learning base in Chelmsford offers ten beginner’s lessons in Mandarin for £88.

The Chinese company will provide two thirds of the development costs of Bradwell B and hopes to begin construction by 2023.

Up to 25,000 jobs will be created during construction, although it is unclear how many vacancies will be filled by local residents.

Professor Andy Blowers, chairman of the Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group, has questioned the scheme.

The group has been campaigning against a new nuclear power station at Bradwell.

Prof Blowers said: “BANNG believes this project has the potential to devas- tate the Blackwater estuary area and affect communities.

"BANNG is concerned it may be that neither council possesses expertise in understanding what is proposed. And learning Mandarin will not compensate for that.”