As Barton Moss became the front line against fracking last winter, various groups across Salford sprung up to oppose IGas and its exploratory drilling at the Irlam site. Now, as the campaign moves into its next phase with an expected planning application from the company to actually frack in the city, Frack Free Salford, or FFS, is launching this Tuesday night at the Star Inn... "to become the consolidated and main group for the future campaign against fracking in Salford".
A report out last week by the Greater Manchester Crime and Police Commissioner's Independent Protest Panel (see here) disclosed that the police operation at Barton Moss had cost £1.6million and that IGas, Peel Holdings and Salford Council did not make themselves accountable at all during the protests...
"Most notable for their silence is Peel Holdings" the report stated "Peel owns the land which iGas is drilling on – but have been silent throughout this process. Peel even
declined to engage with the panel in the production of this report.
"iGas were more proactive, but according to journalists the panel spoke to, they only
became proactive towards the end of the process" it added "Salford Council and the
Mayor of Salford's office had a consistent reactive media line on fracking, but did not offer anyone for media interviews or proactively outline the rationale for the granting of planning permission. GMP was the only body, public or private, that was speaking out on this issue throughout the exploratory drilling process..."
Indeed, last week, campaigners aimed an ongoing Twitter storm at Salford City Mayor, Ian Stewart, for his complete silence on the matter since a 3,500 signature petition was handed over to Salford Council back in April (see previous Salford Star article – click here).
Now Frack Free Salford aims to step up the campaign as IGas is expected to re-appear with a planning application to frack in Salford over the coming months.
Frack Free Salford Inaugural Meeting
Tuesday 21st October 6:30-9pm
Star Inn, Back Hope Street, Broughton M7 2FR
For directions see also www.staronthecliff.co.uk
See also Frack Free Salford Facebook group
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