Cuadrilla Seeks to Resume Work in Lancashire

Cuadrilla Resources, the first company to mine for shale gas in Britain, has announced it will seek planning permission for hydraulic fracture and flow test of its well site near the coastal village of Banks.

The company has already drilled a vertical well at the site, and wishes to advance the exploration programme, it said.

Before Cuadrilla submits the planning application to Lancashire County Council, the company said it would like to give local residents an opportunity to find out more about what is involved in hydraulic fracturing. 

As part of this, Cuadrilla is holding a public information afternoon next Wednesday, January 23rd, at Mere Brow Village Hall. Members of senior management will be on hand to talk with residents on a one-to-one basis.

Francis Egan, Cuadrilla’s chief executive, said: “Hydraulic fracturing is a key part of the on-going exploratory process of determining how much shale gas we can viably recover. It is important that residents feel well informed about our operations and our Public Information Day gives the opportunity for them to talk to us about our work. We are committed to engagement with, and being part of, the communities we work in whilst maintaining the highest environmental standards.”

Hydraulic fracturing is contentious in the UK, but Cuadrilla has been particularly controversial because its work in Lancashire was suspended for over 18 months after two small earthquakes in the region in 2011.

See also: Cuadrilla Says Public Coming Around to Blackpool Fracking