This is Staffordshire: Methane extraction plans to be discussed behind closed doors

CAMPAIGNERS are demanding that councillors discuss controversial gas drilling plans in public.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is considering working with a private sector partner to extract coal bed methane to provide energy for local industry.

The full council is due to discuss the proposals at a meeting this evening, but members of the public will be barred due to commercial sensitivities.

Protesters, who claim the plans could wreak environmental havoc in Stoke-on-Trent, believe the public has a right to hear what is being discussed.  MORE