‘No fracking in Sussex until problems are fixed’ says South East Euro MP Sharon Bowles (North Thanet Liberal Democrats)

North Thanet Liberal Democrats <info@north-thanetlibdems.org.uk>

‘No fracking in Sussex until problems are fixed’ says South East Euro MP Sharon Bowles

January 12, 2012 1:05 PM
Originally published by Sharon Bowles MEP

Sharon Bowles MEP, who represents Sussex in the European Parliament, has joined calls for controversial gas company, Cuadrilla, to stop its fracking operations in Sussex until safety issues are resolved.

Hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking', is a process whereby holes drilled into reservoir rock layers beneath the ground are filled with pressurized fluid which creates cracks, veins or dykes allowing gas to be extracted.

Fracking done by Cuadrilla in Lancashire last year caused two earthquakes and now the company has bought permission to drill a site near Balcombe inWest Sussex.

Sharon Bowles MEP said:

"Reports in the US, from places where fracking has been permitted, show that damage has been done to the environment, with a measurable increase in air and water pollution.

"It has also been reported that some households in the US are able to set fire to their tap water as a result of fracking and this is not something we want to see in Sussex.

"A moratorium on hydraulic fracturing has already been declared in France and Switzerland and, given the evident dangers, I am supporting those in Sussex and across the South East who do not want fracking while there are questions about health and other safety aspects."

ENDS