Barbara has written to Andrew Austin, CEO of energy firm IGas, to ask for a statement on the future of the Barton Moss site.

IGas recently announced the results of exploratory drilling at Barton Moss. In a statement accompanying the announcement, IGas stated: “We have no immediate plans for further activity at the [Barton Moss] site.”

However, IGas CEO, Andrew Austin, also made the following observations about the results from the Barton Moss site:

“The results of the well are encouraging in respect of the shale potential of the area … our work in the northwest continues with seismic acquisition, site selection and the up-coming well at Ellesmere Port.”

Barbara said:  

“I was pleased to hear that IGas have no immediate plans for any further activity at the Barton Moss site, as I have always believed that this site was unsuitable for this controversial industrial process.

However, Andrew Austin’s statement has been interpreted in some parts of the media as meaning that IGas does in fact have plans for further drilling or fracking at Barton Moss. That’s why I have written to Mr Austin to ask him to clarify whether drilling or fracking activities at Barton Moss are possible at any point in the future.

Local residents living near to the Barton Moss site experienced months of misery and some financial loss during the exploratory drilling phase. They have the right to know what plans IGas has for further drilling or fracking activities at Barton Moss. I hope IGas will provide a more definite statement about their plans for the site. Residents who are neighbours to this site deserve to have this clarity, as uncertainty can blight the lives of those affected.”