Tory councillors have supported a ban on fracking on council land despite the Government’s recent change in policy allowing shale gas extraction.
Bolton Council unanimously backed a motion proposed by Liberal Democrat leader Roger Hayes to continue its ban on any activities linked with fracking on land it owns or controls and also to strongly oppose any attempt by Government to weaken or override its powers as a planning authority when considering any applications for fracking in Bolton.
All Conservative councillors backed the measure, meaning their stance is the opposite of a recently announced policy change by the Conservative government. Last month the government lifted the ban on fracking for shale gas in England, alongside unveiling its plans to limit rising energy costs.
The controversial practice was halted in 2019, amid opposition from environmentalists and local concerns over earth tremors.
Liz Truss backed fracking as a way to help boost the UK’s domestic gas supplies.
READ MORE: Latest half-term Covid travel rules for Spain, France, Turkey and Italy
According to the Prime Minister, the shake-up will pave the way for developers to begin extracting shale gas in as little as six months in areas ‘where there is local support’. Coun Hayes forced a vote at Bolton Council to reinforce the ban the council first imposed in 2015.
After the latest vote Coun Hayes said “I was particularly pleased that the vote this time was unanimous, even all the Conservative councillors supported it, going against the wishes of their Government.” The borough’s MPs will also be asked to support the decisions by the council.
The motion also stated: “There are considerable public concerns about the possible effects of earth tremors, contamination of ground water, air pollution and the possible impact on human health as a result of fracking.
“A draft DEFRA report in 2014 forecast that house prices are likely to fall by up to seven per cent within a mile of fracking wells, and that the price of house insurance will rise within five miles of fracking wells.
“Council recognises the need to ensure secure supplies of power, and regrets the decision of government to reduce incentives to switch to renewable sources such as solar and wind power. Council urges Government to reverse this decision and also to commence a programme to ensure that all homes are properly insulated.”
READ NEXT:
- Foreign Office issues urgent advice to holidaymakers travelling to France
- UK holidaymakers going to Majorca and Ibiza next summer face tourism tax freeze
- Drunk nurse who 'screamed at three-year-old' on flight allowed to keep her job
- NHS nurse struck off after vaping on wards and sticking IV in the wrong patient
- Pendle residents vow to fight any fracking plans across Lancashire
