A year on from seismic testing taking over Frodsham and Helsby, there is a push to find the community’s true feelings on the fracking issue.

Campaigning group Frack Free Frodsham and Helsby are organising a survey to be sent out across the parish.

Anti-fracking protests were held after investigations were conducted to find out the area’s suitability for shale gas exploration last year.

It was August 2015 when the testing began in Frodsham, but it continued through to October.

Survey questionnaires will be sent out to homes throughout next month.

A Frack Free Frodsham and Helsby spokeswoman said: “The community survey will enable a better understanding of the views of local residents, which can be brought to the attention of relevant authorities.

“Questionnaires will be distributed to a representative number of households selected at random from across the entire parish area.

“The sample has been taken in conjunction with best practice guidelines and will be checked against data held by the Office of National Statistics, after completion, to ensure that it represents the demographic profile of the parishes as a whole.”

The seismic testing was carried out by Tesla on behalf of IGas Energy.

Anti-fracking campaigners at the site in Bridge Trafford
Anti-fracking campaigners at the site in Bridge Trafford

It is now INEOS who have acquired licenses for unconventional gas exploration/extraction in the county.

After an invite-only meeting in Frodsham in May, INEOS Shale CEO Gary Haywood said the firm would be holding exhibitions later this year ‘as part of our continuing effort to tackle misconceptions around shale gas extraction’.

Protesters from Frack Free Dee made their voices heard against the ‘threat’ of fracking outside the same meeting and have said they believe another round of seismic testing is coming.

Campaigners camped on privately-owned land off the A56 in Bridge Trafford have been served with a notice to leave the site.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans set out his position on the issue earlier this year.

He said: “I see the reasoning behind it as we do need to ensure we secure our energy supplies.

“However, I could not and would not agree to anything which would affect the health, safety and wellbeing of my constituents as well as their homes, businesses or our natural environment.”

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