ANTI-fracking campaigners are urging residents to attend information evenings to find out about what they claim are the potential risks of fracking.
Chemical company INEOS has been granted a licence by the Government to allow it to explore for oil or gas possibly trapped in commercially viable quantities below ground.
The company has been awarded ‘acreage’ in three main areas, one of which is Cheshire, and the licence area takes in Northwich, Winsford and Knutsford.
Campaign group Frack Free Northwich is running fracking information evenings at Wincham, Weaverham, Winnington and Rudheath for the community.
“We are inviting people to attend the evenings to find out about plans for fracking in our community and the potential risks,” said Sarah Barr from Frack Free Northwich.
“Frack Free Northwich, a group of ordinary but concerned local residents, feel the more they have found out about the subject the more misgivings they have about its safety and its likely impact on local health, the local countryside and house prices.
“They are aware of mounting concerns in Northwich and its surrounding villages, and have therefore arranged these evenings to share information and raise awareness.
“Are you happy to accept INEOS’ assurances that fracking is safe and essential, or would you like to see the bigger picture?
“Come to an information meeting and find out more about this very serious issue affecting our community.”
The evenings are free, and involve a presentation by volunteers from Frack Free Dee followed by a question and answer session.
The first of the evenings, which start at 7.30pm, takes place at Wincham Community Centre on Wednesday, May 4.
This will be followed by events at Weaverham Community Centre on Monday, May 9, Winnington Park Recreation Club on Wednesday, May 11 and Rudheath Social Club on Friday, May 20.
On Tuesday, May 10 members of Frack Free Northwich will join other local Frack Free groups to protest outside Frodsham Community Centre, where it says INEOS will be holding an invitation-only meeting for town and parish councillors.
For details on Frack Free Northwich find it on Facebook, Twitter @FrackFreeNwich or email FrackFreeNorthwich@gmail.com
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