Groups unite for meeting on fracking

On Friday, February 10, Sustainable Frome will co-host a public meeting with Frack-off, a national campaign organisation, on the subject of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.

Fracking is a controversial new technology which, according to campaigners, has been shown to have had dire environmental consequences in the US and which now threatens areas of the UK, including the Mendips.

In December members of Sustainable Frome and other residents were shown Gasland, an award-winning film which explains how oil and gas companies in America drill deep into the ground to extract shale gas using nearly 600 different toxic chemicals and large amounts of water – an average well requires more than four million gallons during its lifetime.

Despite the fact that environmental laws appear more stringent in the UK, the film has raised concerns about companies proposing to pursue fracking locally.

A spokesman said: "No adequate explanation for how large amounts of polluted waste water will be safely disposed of has been provided. It is also difficult to dispute the fact that burning natural gas will release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere at levels which will increase global warming."

Frome town councillor Peter Macfadyen said: "Fracking is a warning. If we need to stick 100 units of energy, a lot of water and a lot of chemicals into the Mendips to get out 110 units of energy, then it's like sniffing the lid of the empty honey pot. The age of cheap energy is ending. We don't want it because it is dangerous and polluting, and we don't want it because it's part of stopping us face up to reality."

The meeting will be held at Wesley Methodist Church Hall from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. There will be a short film and presentation by members of Frack-off providing information on gas extraction methods in the UK. This will be followed by an open discussion.

For more information visit www.frack-off.org.uk.