Shropshire Star

Owen Paterson: Strict checks on gas drilling

MP Owen Paterson today insisted that any gas exploration in Shropshire will only go ahead if stringent checks and conditions are met.

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The former Environment Secretary, known for his pro-fracking views, used Twitter to write: "Europe risks condemning itself to oblivion as global manufacturer if it does not embrace fracking. UK must get a move on."

But today the North Shropshire MP made it clear that any drilling, whether to search for coal-bed methane or for shale gas, had to follow strict regulations. Dart Energy wants to test drill to see if coal-bed methane lies under land at Dudleston Heath.

Mr Paterson said: "If Shropshire Council grants permission for the drilling, the project will be subject to the appropriate environmental controls including scrutiny by the Environment Agency. Operations are also subject to safety regulation."

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