Frack Free Somerset is strongly opposed to the government’s 14th Unconventional Gas and Oil Licensing Round, which was announced in the middle of August, when many people were away on their summer holidays. This new bonanza sees around 1000 square miles of England licensed to fracking companies, and here in Somerset and neighbouring Wiltshire, up to 121 parishes potentially affected by the new license blocks. Full story: Read more
Frack Free Somerset Public Meetings to be held in Mendip Villages and Towns
Frack Free Somerset are organising a series of free public meetings in Mendip towns and villages this November to raise awareness of the increased risk of exploratory drilling in the area. The group is concerned that the recent extension of drilling license PEDL 227 by UK Methane means that an application to drill in the Norton Radstock area is imminent. Full story: Read more
Official Response from Frack Free Somerset, January 13th 2014
Frack Free Somerset stands opposed to the government’s plans to offer a huge tax break for any councils willing to approve fracking projects in their area, as announced by David Cameron today. The Prime Minister said local authorities would receive 100 per cent of the business rates collected from drilling schemes – double their usual 50 per cent.We believe that at a time of austerity this is a very cynical move by the government, when councils up and down the country are facing all kinds of budgetary cuts. Full Story: Read More