The Gazette: Anti-frackers ‘powerless’ if Bill is passed

Homeowners hoping to block companies from fracking underneath their homes could be powerless to stop them if new laws are introduced.

The industry body behind the controversial procedure, UKOOG, says they are speaking with the Government over an anomaly in trespass laws which could allow them to frack private land.

The change is expected to be including in a proposed Government Growth Bill, but has been slammed by those opposed to the method of drilling for shale gas.

The move would give companies access to more land to carry out the procedure of hydraulically fracturing rock deep underground, and pumping it with water and chemicals to extract the gas.

Ian Roberts, chairman of Residents Action on Fylde Fracking (RAFF), said: “It’s shocking that the Government is prepared to sweep aside the rules to change the democratic voice.  MORE