Fracking firm’s meeting for public over well site

A FRACKING firm that wants to test a new West Lancashire site is hosting a public meeting this weekend.

Aurora Energy Resources has applied to Lancashire County Council to begin testing a well site on Altcar Moss, near Great Altcar on the Sefton border.

Opposition to the plans has already been raised by campaign groups such as Frack Free Formby, which have argued that the practice could be hugely harmful to the surrounding area. FFR also won the backing of Sefton Council last month in a bid to protect the borough from the effects of fracking,

But those within the fracking industry maintain the practice is safe, while communities near sites receive benefits both from the industry itself and from business tax revenue.

Aurora is hosting the drop-in event to discuss its plans and respond to any such fears.

The event is planned to take place at Haskayne Village Hall from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, February 17.

Residents can also contact the company to discuss the site by call 0800 1701550 or by emailing info@altcarmoss.co.uk.

Announcing the meeting, a spokesman said: “Aurora Energy Resources has recently submitted a scoping request to Lancashire County Council, as the relevant mineral planning authority, for a proposed exploratory wellsite located on Altcar Moss, to the north of the village of Great Altcar, West Lancashire.

“We are proposing to drill and hydraulically fracture both a vertical and a separate horizontal well at Altcar Moss to evaluate the potential to produce hydrocarbons from deeply-buried, carboniferous-age rocks.

“We are now planning to hold a public information day to inform residents about the proposed activity.

“Members of the project team will be available to explain the proposals and also answer any questions you may have.”