Campaigners’ delight at news, but now they want complete ban

The decision by Cluff Natural Resources has been welcomed by campaigners who feared UCG had the potential to cause a huge environmental disaster.

But they have urged the Scottish Government to impose a complete ban amid fears a similar proposal could arise in the future.

Fife councillor Tom Adams, who was vocal against the plans for Largo Bay, said: “This throws a spanner in the works for UCG.”

Mr Adams, chairman of Levenmouth area committee, said he had had serious concerns about possible explosions and pollution.

“This tells me that somebody of Cluff’s standing who is looking to make a lot of money from this has realised there is no money to be made,” he said. “It’s not worth his while. “The moratorium on unconventional energy will have had something to do with the decision but it doesn’t go far enough.

“We need a complete ban to stop this coming back.”

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker said she was pleased to hear about CNR’s decision.

“I pushed for a ban and while I welcome the moratorium, we do need to see a complete ban or else others might be interested in what Algy Cluff has given up,” she said.

“I hope nobody else will see this as an opportunity to exploit an area which is important to the people of Fife.”

Councillor Tom Adams.