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NO! CANATXX GAS PLAN REJECTED
THE Government today threw out plans to store millions of tonnes of gas under the Wyre countryside.
Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, refused American gas giant Canatxx's plans, which residents have fought for almost five years
The news sparked delight from campaigners who fought a long battle to block the scheme.
More than 12,000 people wrote to Lancashire County Council to oppose the plans which would have seen up to 1.3 million tonnes of natural gas stored in hollowed out salt caverns close to the River Wyre at Preesall.
Ben Wallace, MP for Lancaster and Wyre said: "It's great news for the local residents, campaign groups and the people who have fought this every step of the way.
"Despite hints from the Department for Trade and Industry that this was going to be pushed through, the decision has been made and the choices are clear.
"The message is loud and clear – Hands off our Wyre Estuary!"
Stalmine farmer June Jackson made her own case to the planning inquiry into the Canatxx scheme.
She said today: "It's the only sensible decision which could have been reached.
"Now I just need time to go through the documents to look at why this was the decision reached."
Mr Wallace's Westminster predecessor, Hilton Dawson – who kicked-off the campaign against the plans in 2002 – was also delighted.
He said: It is just absolutely fantastic news for all those people who campaigned and made their voices heard. I'm going to go outside now and do a little dance.
"This is just the best news we could hear."
The plans are believed to have been rejected because of the impact on the local environment and on safety grounds.
Campaigners and company bosses now face the task of looking through the lengthy report into the scheme, published after a six-month planning inquiry held in 2005 and 2006.
Coun Vivien Taylor, who represents Preesall on Wyre Council, was also pleased to hear the news.
She said: "It is just fantastic. Common sense has prevailed. I hope this is the last we hear of all of this."
Canatxx today insisted it would press forward with its scheme and submit a new, revised plan.
A spokesman said: "The company is disappointed with and surprised by the decision of the Secretary of State. The company will consider carefully the reasons given with our special advisors as soon as possible.
"The purpose of that meeting will be to come up with a new, revised plan as soon as possible."
Protect Wyre Group chairman Ian Mulroy said he was not in a position to comment until he had seen the decision himself.
His group, with Thornton Action Group, farmer June Jackson, MP's Ben Wallace and Joan Humble and Lancashire County Council and Wyre Council all opposed the plans, which they believed posed a risk to the sensitive environment and the safety of the people of Wyre.
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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