Public Support to Shale Gas Exploration in Lancashire on the Rise, Says Report

UK’s Cuadrilla Resources does not give up its plans to explore for shale gas, publishing on Thursday the evidences of a new research from BritainThinks in favour of unconventional gas. 

According to the research, an increasing number of residents in Lancashire support shale gas exploration. The survey by BritainThinks states that 57% of respondents support shale gas exploration, compared to 44% in October 2012 and 50% in December 2012.

“This research by BritainThinks shows that for many people in Lancashire the potential benefits of shale gas exploration become crystal clear, when they consider the facts and the related job creation and economic opportunities,” Cuadrilla’s CEO Francis Egan commented in a note released on Thursday. 

The report suggests that residents consider job creation the main potential benefit of shale gas developments, while viewing protection of water as the most important issue to address. 

“It is good to see a steady improvement in support, but it is clear that we need to focus more on the issues that matter most so we can really get to the heart of both what excites and worries people about our proposals as we work to unlock Lancashire’s energy potential,” Egan added

BritainThinks conducted the survey on residents in Blackpool, Fylde and West Lancashire. It previously conducted similar surveys in October and December 2012.