Anger over private fracking meeting
WHAT’S ON
CHARLOTTE GREEN
CHAMBER of Trade chiefs have insisted they are not taking sides over the controversial issue of fracking, after agreeing to speak at a private meeting for businesses.
East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive will speak at a event organised by profracking interest group Lancashire for Shale.
But environmental campaigners hit out over claims the time and location of the meeting were not being made public due to ‘security reasons’.
David Penney, a spokes- man for Keep East Lancashire Frack Free and treasurer of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Green Party, said they had discovered seminars had been organised to discuss fracking and business on Monday, October 9.
He said: “The location and time of this event will not be announced until the day itself due to what the organisers call ‘security reasons’.
“Why are those who would question the economic, social and environmental benefits as well as the safety and poor regulations of this industry, being excluded from this debate?
“Such an important issue which affects many people in East Lancashire should be discussed openly and be subject to public scrutiny in a democratic society.”
Miranda Barker, chamber chief executive, said she had been invited to speak at the seminar about new software allowing suppliers to connect with people in the fracking industry.
She said: “The event is organised by Lancashire for Shale, it’s not a chamber event.
“The chamber have created an electronic portal to try to improve business supply into the industry if they wish to.
“I would like to see more debates where these discussions can happen, but if this event is about potential suppliers I can respect that’s something where they shouldn’t have to fight their way through protesters.
“We’re there to point businesses at an opportu- nity – that’s our remit, we can’t stray away from that otherwise we would be caught up in every political argument.
“We are not saying we are for or against anything, we’re there for the economy and our businesses will make their own decisions.”
A Lancashire for Shale spokesperson said: “To help prepare Lancashire for the next phase of shale gas exploration and development, we are in the process of working with a number of sectors.
“The event is aimed at businesses in the local economy who can help drive forward these future benefits in a safe and responsible manner.”