Fracking decision 'to go way of the people', says Shropshire campaigner
A campaigner who helped fight off plans to drill for gas in Shropshire says evidence is mounting against the controversial fracking gas extraction technique.
Chris Hesketh, of Frack Free Dudleston, said data shows some fracking sites are more damaging than burning coal.
It comes ahead of the Planning Inspectorate's recommendation over whether to allow plans for fracking in Lancashire.
Councillors refused applications by the energy firm Cuadrilla for permission to drill for shale gas at two sites in the county last June, leading to a public inquiry as Cuadrilla appealed the decision.
Mr Hesketh, who says Shropshire's geology is not suitable for fracking, said: "Right now the fracking industry is waiting expectantly for the Lancashire decision.
"The Planning Inspectorate is due to publish its recommendation by early July and then it will be over to the Government for their decision.
"The inspectorate plays strictly by the rules and having seen the evidence that they were presented with, I wouldn't be surprised if their recommendation was either partially or fully in favour of the people."
He added: "The Government will obviously decide in favour of the driller, however they have to be careful because if there are any weaknesses in their argument then they can expect a judicial review. Judicial reviews are impartial and often find against the Government.
"Even just the long-running delays will be costing them dearly and all the while, the evidence is mounting against fracking."
Last year the group Frack Free Dudleston claimed victory in its fight against plans to operate an exploratory borehole to drill for coal-bed methane gas in Dudleston Heath, near Ellesmere.
Mr Hesketh said: "I think that Shropshire is still pretty safe because as well as the national trend being away from fracking, we have the 'geologically not suitable' trump card."
