Fracking

In the past seven months you have organised “residents’ fact finding meetings” for constituents in Helsby, Frodsham, Manley and Alvanley.

The meetings required registration in advance and were only open to residents from the villages mentioned.

The meetings were put on to give residents the opportunity to quiz and listen to a balanced panel of experts on fracking.

Before these meetings it is fair to say that you were on the fence when it came to fracking.

You are on record as saying “I cannot and will not support anything that may pose a risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of local residents, the natural environment, homes or businesses”.

Following on from the second of the two debates, you spoke out in favour of fracking, stating that it can be carried out safely in Weaver Vale (Northwich Guardian article, Feb 1, 2016).

Northwich residents should also have the opportunity to make their own minds up on fracking.

The onus should be on the energy companies to prove that fracking can be carried out safely, with absolutely no risk to our health or environment, and until that is assured we should not be proceeding with fracking in the UK.

Sadly, despite promises from INEOS for transparency, openness and engagement with local communities, their public consultations have so far been almost non-existent across Mid Cheshire.

To my knowledge, the only consultation in the area has been a daytime meeting at the Rotary Club (£8.50 entry), a stand at the Royal Cheshire Show (£16 entry) and a behind closed doors, invitation-only meeting with councillors from across our region.

This is simply not good enough.

As one of your constituents, I ask if you would please organise a public meeting in Northwich, open to all Weaver Vale constituents and without the need to pre-register.

It is only right that Northwich residents have the opportunity to listen to a balanced debate and put their questions to an unbiased panel that includes INEOS representatives, government bodies, regulators such as the Environment Agency, and voices from the anti-fracking movement.

Owen Hardiker Northwich