More than 100 people attended a public meeting to discuss the potential impact of fracking after it was revealed that parts of Hyndburn have been licensed for shale gas exploration .

Two exploratory shale licences were granted by the Government in the 14th onshore oil and gas licensing rounds in September and December last year.

Map block boundary ‘SD72’ is operated in a partnership by Celtique and covers Accrington and Oswaldtwistle, and ‘SD73 and SD83’, is operated in a partnership by Osprey and covers Great Harwood , Clayton-le-Moors and Huncoat.

More than 130 people attended a public meeting on fracking held at St Christopher’s CE High School in Accrington on Wednesday, May 4.

The meeting heard from Dr Stephen Garsed, from the Blackburn Diocese Environment Group, about the environmental and social impacts of fracking, and speakers from Frack Free Lancashire, an alliance of 40 community groups from across the county, which are opposed to fracking.

Dave Daly, from Hyndburn Friends of the Earth, said: “With over a hundred people turning up to a public meeting on fracking it shows there is a high level of interest and concern with this industry locally.

“Several new licences have opened the door to potential fracking in Accrington and across East Lancs, and it is vital that local people get clued up on the facts.”

Fracking activist Kerry Gormley, from Huncoat, who stood for the Green Party in last year’s general election in Hyndburn, said that it was ‘amazing’ how many people attended the meeting at short notice.

She said: “It’s an environmental and a health issue.

Kerry Gormley

“The meeting was for anyone who is really concerned about the health and well-being for anyone and this county.

“People are now hungry for more information about how to keep Hyndburn frack-free.”

However, Baxenden councillor Terry Hurn, who also attended the meeting, said he hoped there could be a more ‘balanced discussion’ about the issue.

He said: “It needs looking into properly and I felt the meeting was a little one-sided.

“We need to have a more balanced discussion and establish the facts, and what advantages and disadvantages there would be.”