"Let's work together to fight fracking plans"

ANTI-fracking campaigners have vowed to work together after plans to drill for shale gas in a second village were announced.
Harthill Against Fracking Walk. 171357-01Harthill Against Fracking Walk. 171357-01
Harthill Against Fracking Walk. 171357-01

Around 70 people turned out for a walk and demonstration in Harthill on Sunday, where fracking firm Ineos hope to carry out the controversial works.

The walk was held just three days after the firm posted notices in Woodsetts, which said a site south of Dinnington Road in the village had been highlighted as having potential for drilling.

Harthill Against Fracking member Suzanne Kelly, who organised the Harthill walk and picnic, said their goal now was to club together with other campaigners to fight the applications.

She said the walk was intended to raise awareness of the possible impact, act as a protest and bring people together, adding: “When you’re trying to do it on your own it’s not easy.”

Ineos has submitted a planning application for an exploratory test well in an area of private land off Common Road.

It is also carrying out preparatory surveys across the south of the Rotherham borough.

Mrs Kelly said: “The site is at the highest point of the village. It’s going to be seen for miles.

“I don’t think a lot of people realise what it’s all about. Some people are saying it’s not going to be as bad as we think but when you have got a drill head going 24 hours a day and lorries coming and going, it’s going to change the face of rural communities.”

Ineos’ operations director Tom Pickering said the firm was waiting to hear back from Rotherham Borough Council after submitting an environmental screening report and promised to keep people informed about developments.

“Throughout this process we will consult local people to make them fully aware of the latest developments.”

Mrs Kelly said Harthill Against Fracking had organised a number of fundraising events to raise cash to put towards an appeal, should Ineos’ application be approved by planning bosses.

Among them is a charity auction event to be held on Friday, October 13, at Harthill Village Hall.

It will start at 7.30pm and the group is looking for donations for the auction. Anyone who can help can contact [email protected] or [email protected].

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