Government look to bypass local decision-making on fracking

A few days after the government announced plans to allow fracking for shale gas to go ahead without planning permission, members of Frome anti-fracking gathered with groups from across the South West who are part of a growing movement to resist fracking in the UK.

Fracking has been banned in Scotland, and Ireland, with a moratorium held in Wales because of risks to the environment,  public health and its contribution to climate change. In England, the government wants fracking sites to be classed as nationally significant infrastructure, meaning approval would come at a national, rather than local level.

Annabelle Macfadyen, a member of Frome anti-fracking said, “I am shocked that the government is looking to by-pass local decision-making on something that will have such an impact on communities and which poses such a risk to people’s health and well-being.”

The Frome area has been targeted by fracking companies during the past 5 years with licences reaching the outskirts of the town. Although there are currently no licences being held here, Frome anti-fracking is continuing the campaign to stop fracking wherever it is happening in England.

At the next meeting, Frome anti-fracking will be looking at how to support communities who are threatened by hydraulic fracturing, including North Somerset which holds seven licence areas including around Hinkley Point, and in Lancashire where Europe’s largest fracking pad was built last year.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday 19th June at 7.30pm at Cheese and Grain. Newcomers are welcome and if you would like more information contact Frome.antifrack@gmail.com