Fracking shame

Communities and campaigners have been left stunned by Prime Minister Liz Truss reversing the ban on fracking.

The Conservative Government's decision leaves land in South West Surrey equivalent to more than 13,000 football pitches at risk, with more than a third of the land in the constituency earmarked for potential drilling.

Waverley Borough Council leader Paul Follows and the Liberal Democrats are determined to protect our environment - and are campaigning against fracking in Waverley.

Lib Dem MPs in Parliament have called out this Conservative U-turn - and questioned the lack of any new scientific evidence that would prove fracking is safe.

Paul Follows said: "Tearing up precious countryside in Waverley will make absolutely no difference to global energy prices. Fracking involves deep ground drilling using hazardous chemicals. It risks causing local earthquakes and the destruction of our environment forever.

"To protect households and businesses from rising energy costs and cut the demand of fossil fuels, we need real action to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and better home insulation.

"This Conservative Government is taking dangerous risks with our climate and environment. They have also refused to give details on how local people can have a say."

The decision to reverse the ban on fracking comes after the government approved fossil fuel drilling at Dunsfold, despite huge opposition from the local community.

Paul added: "Our countryside is at risk of being ripped up by dangerous and unnecessary drilling, with plans to drill at Dunsfold having already been given the green light by the Conservatives despite huge opposition from residents and the refusal of permission locally.

"Despite the Conservative's vaguely worded caveat of backing fracking only "where there is local support", if the Dunsfold example is anything to go by I fear residents will have no say in the matter whatsoever.

"Waverley Borough Council are continuing to fight the Dunsfold proposals, seeking a judicial review into the government's decision, and have now written to the government to clearly express the communities opposition to the plans and asking them to rescind their consent.

"If being opposed by councils at all levels of local government, resident and community groups and now Waverley Borough Council in court does not constitute a lack of community support then nothing will."

It's time to send a clear message to the government. Waverley residents do not support fracking in our community. Please sign the petition.