Council ready to grill firm over shale gas

Fracking is due to begin at the Cuadrilla gas site, Preese Hall in Weeton.

Fylde Council’s shale gas working group is to meet with Arup, the firm which carries out environmental risk assessments on behalf of energy company Cuadrilla, at St Annes Town Hall, from 5.30pm.

The group is set to ask for assurances on safety and regulation around fracking.

It comes after the man charged with responsibility for the environment at the authority, Coun Tommy Threlfall, was quizzed on the controversial shale gas exploration process at Monday’s full council meeting.

Coun Threlfall was asked by a member of the public, Pat Davis, to clarify the council’s official position on  shale gas drilling.

He responded: “The official position is that the council supports exploration for shale gas on the mandatory condition that full and proper regulation is in place.”

Concerns have been raised about the potential environmental effects of fracking – the process of injecting liquid into the ground at high pressure to release gas from shale rocks.

Energy firm Cuadrilla is looking to explore sites in Roseacre and Little Plumpton.

A question from resident Mavis Kemp, from Westby, was read out at the meeting.

She asked: “Can you confirm your views on damaging our countryside for profit when we live in a beautiful area which tourists love to visit, and how will you stop the damage to tourism that will occur if the Fylde becomes littered with these 35 foot high eyesore drills?

“You will be remembered as the councillors who did, or did not, do anything to stop this fracking industry for generations to come.”

Coun Threlfall said: “Fylde Council does not support any activity by any industry that damages the countryside for profit.”

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Threlfall added: “We’ve been proactive with a view to shale gas. We’re very keen to see this innovative procedure will have the right regulation.”

Arup, a firm of international engineers and consultants who have worked on projects such as the Beijing Olympic pool, Heathrow’s terminal two and the consultation process for the High Speed 2 rail link, were brought in by Cuadrilla as environmental consultants for the company last year.  The firm has been brought in to carry out environmental work and consultation with the public and local councils related to the fracking process.