An anti-fracking demonstration was held outside the Helsby Parish Council meeting on September 14.
More than 40 people were there to lobby at Hillside Primary School.
Fracking was not on the agenda, but those allowed inside raised their views during public air time.
Demonstration organiser Adrienne Baines, from Helsby, said: “The purpose of the demo was for the residents to send a message to our local councillors we are not happy.
“We’ve now experienced the seismic survey in full swing.
“People are starting to sit up and listen because we’ve had the trucks coming around conducting the tests and it’s getting serious.”
Seismic tests are taking place in the town over a six-week period which started last month.
The survey also takes in parts of Ellesmere Port, Elton and Frodsham and aims to show the likelihood shale gas is present underground.
Helsby Parish Council vice chairman Terry O’Neill said: “Obviously we understand people’s concerns on this issue.
“Until there’s a planning application on our doorstep there’s very little we can do.
“We will fully consult with our residents if any application for gas extraction comes in.”
Mike Garvey, from Helsby, was part of the demonstration and with group support submitted a seven-point letter to the council.
Mr Garvey said: “Our aim now is to try to raise awareness in the community.
“We want to make sure all the information about fracking is out there, positive or negative, so people can make an informed decision.”
The tests are being done by Tesla Enterprises Ltd on behalf of IGas Energy.
A Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) decision means the work cannot take place on land owned by them.
An IGas statement said: “The gathering of seismic information has been a common and routine operation in the UK for some 40 years now.
“There are many industries across the North West that depend upon substantial amounts of natural gas to produce everyday products such as food, clothing and chemicals.
“Natural gas derived from shale can provide a real alternative, it will create and sustain employment in the area, provide taxes and business rates to local councils and also substantial benefits to local communities.”
IGas have offered to give presentations to individual parish councils to allow them to ask questions directly.
Mr Garvey’s letter sought answers to seven points including when they were made aware of the seismic testing proposals and if they had a policy on unconventional gas extraction.
Cllr O’Neill said: “We will follow CWAC’s example and not allow any seismic testing on our land.
“Our reply to Mr Garvey’s letter will answer every one of his points, but we can’t put together a policy because it’s an excluded matter.”
CWAC Frodsham councillor Andrew Dawson had also said any application to frack in the area will be subject to a full public consultation.
Proposed government changes could mean authorities have 16 weeks to rule on fracking plans or it could be decided for them by Communities Secretary Greg Clark.
Mr Garvey said: “We understand the parish council’s position.
“But we need to be ahead of the game because we can’t have an effective community consultation within 16 weeks.”
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