Worrying plans to introduce fracking in Somerset and Wiltshire have been initiated by Southwestern Energy. The company have indicated that they are highly likely to take up the licences for fracking in the four available areas just east of Frome, and may also take the seven areas in North Somerset. There is an expected 6-12 month timeframe to identify sites to drill. SW Energy would then be required to obtain permission from the landowner for access for an exploratory drill, planning permission from the county councils, and Environment Agency permission, after which they would drill their exploratory borehole. If this was successful, the way would be clear for them to move to production-level fracking, which would involve covering the area with well-heads, 600-700m apart. This could happen just 12-18 months from now.
The Green Party will work alongside local anti-fracking groups, Frome Town Council (who have declared Frome a Frack Free Area) and others to fight this process at every stage, but with the government determined to push fracking through it is going to be a tough fight. Meanwhile, there is increasing scientific evidence that fracking has a devastating effect on local health, pollutes air and contaminates drinking water.
The most important thing we need to achieve at this stage is to raise public awareness throughout the region of the threat of fracking, with public meetings, posters, and film showings, in order to build a huge grassroots campaign against this devastating industry coming to this area. We also want to encourage parish councils to follow Frome Town Council in passing measures against fracking.
If you'd like to help in the fight against fracking, or would like to organise a public meeting or film showing, please get in touch.
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