ONE of the country's largest trade unions has backed proposals for a £300m gas storage cavern under the River Wyre.
The GMB, a general union with 600,000 members across the country, has sent a letter to Lancashire County Council (LCC) in support of Canatxx's application to store more than one million tonnes of gas in salt caverns in Preesall.
The American firm,
which resubmitted its application in February after it was thrown out in October 2007 by the Government, has welcomed the support.
Paul Grimes, chief executive officer of Canatxx, said: "For the GMB, like Canatxx, nothing is more important than the safety of workers and protecting the environment.
"To receive their unequivocal support for the Preesall proposal is a very welcome example of how learning about the project brings understanding and dispels myths.
"Canatxx will continue to consult and work alongside world renowned experts in our endeavours to help solve the undeniable problem of lack of gas storage in the UK."
In the letter to LCC, Paul McCarthy, GMB regional secretary, said the Canatxx gas storage proposal was "vital to ensuring stable supplies of gas" and it would be "a hugely wasted opportunity if LCC failed to support" such schemes.
He added the proposals would bring "undoubted benefits, employment and economic progress to Lancashire and the North West."
But Ian Mulroy, chairman of Protect Wyre Group, said: "GMB's letter of support shouldn't fool anyone. It certainly doesn't cut ice with us.
"GMB has received Canatxx's biased opinion. Canatxx is once again playing the national need card. There is sufficient security of supply with existing and planned schemes – schemes that are not in suspect geology or in the midst of 100,000 people."
And June Jackson, a Stalmine farmer and long-time campaigner against Canatxx, said she doubted the local area would benefit from as many jobs as have been promised.
Mrs Jackson added: "Let's have a look at facts – the inspector's report and the Secretary of State's conclusion – not spin. It's not going to be of local benefit."
More than 8,000 people have so far objected to the Canatxx proposals while 70 representations have been made in favour of the proposals.
The Government's planning inspector questioned the suitability of the geology of the Preesall site for the plant and criticised the firm's health and safety planning when Canatxx's application failed two years ago.
