Local residents opposed to drilling on Barton Moss gathered at Swinton Civic Centre as Salford Council cabinet members were presented with a 3000+ strong petition against the controversial practice of fracking. Ali Abbas, the originator of the petition presented a powerful 5 minute case against dirty unconventional fuels. [1] Despite this, Councillors refused to publicly discuss and respond at the high-level Cabinet meeting. [2]
Salford City Council gave planning permission for exploratory drilling at Barton Moss and the site’s seen constant protests since equipment began moving in. Many people have been disappointed at the level of consultation between the Council and local residents. Drilling company IGas needs further planning permission to carry out fracking, and it is expected they will apply to the council later this year.
Manchester Friends of the Earth’s Ali Abbas said:
“The petition was created to compel the Council to discuss the unacceptable risks that fracking and coal bed methane pose to neighbouring communities, the climate and the local environment.
‘‘Extraction of these kinds of unconventional gas would conflict with Greater Manchester’s Climate Change Strategy and the target to cut emissions by 48% by 2020 – instead of risky fracking, Salford should back clean renewables and community energy instead.”
The anti-fracking campaigners received high profile local support with Actor and Salford resident Maxine Peake saying:
‘It is of utmost importance that we prevent fracking from becoming a reality in this country. We must stop the Goverment’s bribing of local authorities into participating in this disastrous exercise. No to Fracking! Stand up Salford before it’s too late.’
Sandra Dutson, from Frack Free Greater Manchester and an Eccles resident said,
“I’m very disappointed that the petition wasn’t debated. I’ve researched fracking and am totally against it on grounds of its impact on climate change and local risks to water, air and land use.
“I want to be assured that Salford council are properly informed about the impacts and that they too would want to protect communities in Salford by ruling out the possibility of fracking.”
ENDS
1. The text of the presentation to Salford Council Cabinet meeting is available at this link: http://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/campaigners-call-on-salford-council-to-say-no-fracking-in-salford/
2. Mayor Ian Stewart argued that Salford councillors could not comment on fracking issues due to concerns over ‘predetermination‘ and any future planning applications. However, Manchester Friends of the Earth understand that the ‘predetermination’ rules have changed so that councillors aren’t excluded from voicing opinions. The clarified rules on predetermination still require a planning committee member to have an open mind when determining a planning application. However, proof of previous campaigning against a proposed planning application would not be proof that the member had a closed mind. For more details see:
3.Fracking is a dirty word. The Government is threatening to puncture our green and pleasant land with countless fracking rigs in a headlong dash for gas, with little thought to local people. Shale gas is a dirty fossil fuel that contributes to climate change, and it poses serious local environmental risks such as water contamination and shortages. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest it won’t lower fuel bills, and it risks taking much-needed investment away from renewables and energy saving. For more information, and to send a clear message to the Government that fracking is a dirty word, visit www.foe.co.uk/fracking.
4. For more than 40 years we’ve seen that the wellbeing of people and planet go hand in hand – and it’s been the inspiration for our campaigns. Together with thousands of people like you we’ve secured safer food and water, defended wildlife and natural habitats, championed the move to clean energy and acted to keep our climate stable. Be a Friend of the Earth – see things differently. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk
[5] Manchester Friends of the Earth is an award-winning environmental campaign group, raising awareness and lobbying for policy changes at a local, regional, national and international level. The group consists entirely of volunteers, and its campaigns are funded by membership fees and individual donations. Up-to-date information is available on the group’s website: www.manchesterfoe.org.uk. Manchester Friends of the Earth is a Licensed Local Group of Friends of the Earth, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. www.foe.co.uk
[6] Manchester Friends of the Earth has endorsed Manchester: A Certain Future, an action plan for the city of Manchester to cut its carbon emissions by at least 41% by 2020. For more information, visit www.manchesterclimate.com
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