Location of Aurora Energy Resources proposed site to drill and frack for shale gas. (in red). Source: planning application

The council where Aurora Energy Resources wants to drill and frack two shale gas wells has confirmed it continues to object to the process.

A meeting of West Lancashire Borough Council last night approved a motion reiterating its opposition to fracking. The motion said this was because of health and safety concerns and the impact on the environment.

The council resolved that senior councillors would write to Lancashire County Council, the authority that will decide Aurora’s application. A letter would also be sent to Aurora, the council agreed.

The vote came as the application to frack near the village of Great Altcar near Formby was published online. West Lancashire must be consulted on the proposals.

DrillOrDrop report on Aurora Energy’s application

Almost exactly four years ago, West Lancashire approved a motion supporting the county council’s decision to refuse planning permission to Cuadrilla for fracking near Blackpool.

At that meeting, all the Conservative members of the council left the chamber. Last night, some of the Conservatives against left the meeting, citing the risk of being accused of pre-determination. The motion was approved by the Labour and independent Our West Lancashire groups.

Yesterday’s meeting also approved a second motion to declare a climate emergency and have a vision to aspire to carbon neutrality by 2030.

This motion said the council would continue to call on national government to make local action on climate change easier. It also said the council would work to expand community energy, reduce carbon emissions and grow the local economy. Among the commitments was a citizens’ assembly to establish facts on carbon reduction and make recommendations to the council.