FRACKING across England has just been given the green light by the new prime minister but to produce sufficient quantities of gas, there would need to be hundreds or even thousands of shale gas wells.

Licenses have been issued to Winchester and parts of Dorset which are in close enough proximity for there to be some impact on Salisbury and bring the risk of earthquakes, sink holes and even radioactive water contamination.

The chair of Wiltshire Climate Alliance, Adam Walton, said: “If we think about why this policy is being done – to reduce energy prices and to gain energy independence, it fails on both levels and could take a decade and 100’s of wells.

“We need a reduction of energy demand and insulating homes is the solution, but David Cameron vetoed the insulation scheme.”

He added: “Wiltshire Climate Alliance is A-political, but this decision does not make sense. It feels ideological. Offshore wind is about 1/9th of the cost of gas and could be quickly installed within months and we are already using up to 50 per cent of offshore energy.”

Fracking (also called hydraulic fracturing) fractures bedrock formations.  A high-pressure injection of fluid – water, sand, or other proppants, is sent into a wellbore which cracks the bedrock and enables the gas to flow.  

Salisbury MP, John Glen, said: “My view on this policy change is that a significant piece of work needs to be done to look at the risks associated with the tolerance levels for earthquake risk and the environmental impact. I cannot see how it is going to be a significant contributor to our energy mix.  

“I am incredibly wary of it but wouldn’t rule it out completely at this stage. I’m sceptical about assertions around capacity when we haven’t addressed the environmental concerns. For many people who are against it, we also have to find a completely viable actual and achievable alternative.”

Salisbury Mayor, Cllr Tom Corbin, said: “Fracking is for the fools, injecting high pressure acidic chemicals to break down deep lying rock to release gases which you hopefully capture.

"A far better and greener way is to invest in renewable energy which we could manufacture not only in this country but in this county."

Some of Salisbury residents have also voiced their concerns including Dee Follett from Winterbourne Gunner. 

She said: “I am no expert at all on this subject but just do not like the idea of undermining the land in any way.

“We are so lucky to live in a beautiful area with many historical sites and it would be heart-breaking if this was affected. There are plenty of other options for harnessing energy now, with solar power, wind power and renewable planting options.”

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said: “Fracking poses serious threats to wildlife and wild places which are under enough pressure as it is. It is absurd that exploratory licenses have been granted in areas that border national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and other protected areas – some of our most important sites for nature."

“The Government’s own advisers have stated that fracking will do nothing to reduce household energy bills. New development of fracking sites will also lock in expensive fossil fuel-dependent infrastructure for decades to come.”

Are you concerned about fracking or do you think that it is a solution for the energy crisis? Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments. 

 

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