Shale gas breakthrough

COMMERCIAL shale gas production in the UK is a step closer after Cuadrilla started drilling a test well.

It yesterday said the work in Blackpool, Lancashire, would provide samples before it drills two wells, to be used for the controversial process of ‘fracking’.

They will be the first in Britain and are expected to be complete by the end of the year. Cuadrilla has been pushing for commercial fracking to be allowed in the UK, where supporters argue it could help meet the country’s gas needs.

But it has faced fierce opposition from environmental groups and some MPs and was put on hold in 2011 after tremors were blamed on Cuadrilla’s exploration in Blackpool.