Press Release for Frodsham Survey Results
Throughout September a survey of residents' attitudes towards Shale Gas Fracking was conducted in the Frodsham and Helsby areas. The survey was conducted by local residents group 'Frack Free Frodsham and Helsby', and supported by Frodsham Town Council. Guiding the process was an internationally renowned data analyst who ensured that the survey was undertaken in a fair and transparent way according to best practice guidelines. Results have been analysed and published in a comprehensive report. In Frodsham 77.7% of respondents believed fracking would be a bad thing for the area, 9.1% believed fracking would be a good thing for the area, and 13.2% did not know or had no opinion. In Helsby 79.7% of respondents believed fracking would be a bad thing for the area, 9.0% believed fracking would be a good thing for the area, and 11.3% did not know or had no opinion. Results have been announced to Frodsham Town Council and Helsby Parish Council, who have copies of the full report.
Fracking surveys in neighbouring areas show similar results – 76% against fracking in Guilden Sutton, 81.7% against fracking in Mickle Trafford, 86% against fracking in Upton, Chester.
The Frodsham and Helsby survey highlights the growing concern of many residents regarding the threat of Unconventional Gas Extraction – 'fracking', in their area. The survey follows seismic testing, which was undertaken in Helsby and parts of Frodsham by TESLA, acting on behalf of IGas to determine the viability of 'fracking'. In March 2016, IGas signed a £30 million deal with INEOS, in a tie-up designed to expand IGas's exploration efforts. INEOS have also launched a series of private meetings with parish and town councils, to promote its interest in shale gas fracking.
A spokesperson from Frack Free Frodsham and Helsby gave this statement. “Ascertaining public opinion through a survey, and insisting on democratic representation through our local councillors and MP, is a critical step in opposing the development of fracking in our area. Residents have voiced a range of concerns, including climate change (fracking is incompatible with tackling global warming due to leakage of methane - an extremely potent greenhouse gas); potentially damaging health impacts due to increased exposure to chemicals; risk of land and water contamination; industrialisation of the countryside; high levels of heavy vehicle use; a decrease in property prices. The insistence that gas obtained through fracking is a 'transition fuel' is nonsensical. We need to act now to generate long term energy security and meet climate change targets. We need to resist further fossil fuel exploration and significantly reduce our energy consumption. Countries around the globe have already started - investing heavily in the renewable energy sector, building and insulating houses to a high standard, providing effective public transport and cycling infrastructure, encouraging carbon capture initiatives, switching to electric vehicles, and of course, banning fracking.”