A GROUP has been set up in Westbury to oppose fracking after it was revealed that licences have been granted to explore for gas in the area.
The group was formed following a Keep Wiltshire Frack Free meeting in Warminster this month, at which organisers described a “strong sense of anger”.
The anti-fracking film ‘The Truth Behind the Dash for Gas’ will be shown at Chapmanslade Village Hall on Tuesday 9th February, and again at the Laverton on Thursday 11th February. Both showings are open to the public and will start at 7.30pm.
Keep Wiltshire Frack Free’s Andrew Hewitt said, “I’m really pleased that small groups like this are setting up; it’s great to see local communities empowering themselves. Public opposition is absolutely key at the moment because we need to be putting pressure on local councils to make the right decisions when the time comes.
“Central Government is very pro-fracking so if local people don’t make their feelings known it’s likely that town and parish councils will go along with the higher powers.
“Evidence has shown that fracking does have bad effects and Keep Wiltshire Frack Free is committed to fighting against unconventional gas and oil exploration in Wiltshire.
“We have a vibrant group in Warminster already, and it’s great that smaller groups are setting up and raising public awareness, so people understand what is going on.
“If members of the public don’t object to the plans to drill for gas no-one will.”
Keep Wiltshire Frack Free has been trying to educate communities on the potential negative effects of fracking, and interest has grown since it was announced that a Welsh company has been granted licences to look for gas in Wiltshire and Somerset.
The licences, held by South Western Energy Ltd, directly include Westbury and its surrounding villages, meaning that fracking could be permitted in the area.
Anti-fracking groups have also been set up in Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon and Devizes.
For more information about joining the Westbury anti-fracking group find the ‘Frack Free Westbury’ page on Facebook email frackfreefamilies@outlook.com visit www.keepwiltshirefrackfree.org
