This is Staffordshire: 'Methane gas is only a quick fix'

MAJOR gas drilling plans will not bring economic benefits to North Staffordshire, environmental campaigners have claimed.

The Gas Free Stoke action group is fighting Stoke-on-Trent City Council's multi-million pound proposals for coal bed methane extraction.

More than 200 people have signed a petition against the plans, which allowed group spokesman Emmanuel Blondel to address the council last night.

Council leaders say the project will provide local industry with a stable source of energy and boost the city's economy.  MORE