As the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Worsley and Eccles South I have pledged to oppose fracking in the local area and I have signed Greenpeace’s ‘Frack Free Promise’ to underline this.

I have opposed fracking in Worsley and Eccles South since it was first raised in 2010. Barton Moss has never been a suitable site for such an industrial activity as fracking. I raised strong concerns and objections to exploratory drilling at Barton Moss, as there were residential properties, farms, businesses and moss lands close to the site.

Until Labour MPs forced the Conservatives to make a U-turn on shale gas regulation, Government MPs consistently eroded planning and environmental regulations – to make the exploitation of shale gas easier for companies. All this was done with little concern for the needs and health of local people.

I will continue to oppose fracking in Worsley and Eccles South in the future.