Shropshire border site eyed up for fracking project

The area around Audlem, near Market Drayton, is one of 132 areas set to be awarded licences for oil and gas exploration subject to further environmental assessment and conditions to protect wildlife and habitats.

It comes as new licences were today awarded to companies by the government to explore for oil and gas in 27 areas including near Nottingham, Sheffield, Lincoln and Preston. No other parts of Shropshire are likely to be affected by the latest round of licensing.

Andy Samuel, chief executive of Oil and Gas Authority, said: "With almost 100 applications received, the 14th onshore round has attracted significant interest and high-quality proposed work programmes from a range of oil and gas companies."

"Today's announcement regarding the offer of 27 blocks gives those successful companies assurance about the blocks that they will be formally offered later in the year."

In total about 2,700 square kilometres (1,000 square miles) of England is covered by the licences that have been confirmed, with a further 13,200 square kilometres (5,000 square miles) subject to consultation.

But Andrew Pendleton, Friends Of The Earth head of campaigns, said: "Wherever fracking has been proposed, it has been opposed by local people."

"The Government's own report into the rural economy impacts of fracking highlights a myriad of concerns, including a drop in house prices, impacts on tourism, and increased noise and traffic congestion – not to mention local environment and climate risks.

It comes after proposals to drill for coal bed methane at Dudleston Heath, near Ellesmere, were dropped earlier this summer amid huge public opposition.