RESIDENTS concerned about potential fracking for shale gas in their communities can have their say at a major information event at Winnington this month.

The session at Winnington Park Recreation Club is being hosted by the Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive, Oil and Gas Authority and Public Health England.

Chemicals company INEOS holds licences to explore for shale gas in areas of the UK, including Cheshire, the licence area including Northwich, Winsford and Knutsford.

In the next 18 months the company will carry out 3D imaging surveys of the geology. This data, coupled with sample drilling, will help it to decide where it is best to drill for gas.

“Staff from the regulators and agencies will be attending an informal information session to explain how the oil and gas industry is regulated,” said Berni Shaw from the Environment Agency.

“It will also explain how the environment and people’s health are protected.”

“As regulators and agencies involved in assessing the impacts of the oil and gas industry, our role is to help ensure any exploration and development, including fracking operations, is done in a way that protects people and the environment.

“Communities rightly look to us to provide information on how health and environmental risks are being controlled and managed properly, and to hold oil and gas operators to account.

“This session will be a great opportunity for us to meet with people, explain our respective roles and discuss some of the key issues before sites are identified for development.”

The Recreation Club is in Park Road, Winnington, and the information session takes place on Wednesday, September 21, from 2pm to 7.30pm, and everyone is welcome to come along and meet staff.

The Environment Agency issues environmental permits for onshore oil and gas exploration.

Licences for onshore gas exploration are granted by the Oil and Gas Authority.

Safety on the drilling site, including well integrity, is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive.

Public Health England has an advisory role on the potential health impacts of exposures to chemical and radioactive pollutants as a result of shale gas extraction process.