Part of a fracking site in Lancashire

Fracking to resume across the UK

Despite environmental concerns the Government have given the green light for fracking to resume across the UK.

Will fracking lower your fuel bills?

Fracking has cut fuel bills in half in some states in the US, so could the same thing happen here? I got my calculator out.

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Greenpeace stages fracking demo outside Osborne's office

Greenpeace protesters are staging an anti-fracking demonstration outside the Chancellor's constituency office in Knutsford, Cheshire.

A banner displayed in on the village green outside George Osborne's constituency office in Knutsford. Credit: Twitter / @GreenpeaceUK

The activists have set up a live webcam showing the mock-frack which is currently displayed on greenpeace.org.uk.

A screengrab from the livestream. Credit: Bambuser

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Campaigners warn of damage to countryside from fracking wells

The Ouse Valley Viaduct near Balcombe, West Sussex where exploratory drilling for shale gas may take place Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

A charity has warned of possible damage to the countryside if the Government gives permission for large numbers of drilling well units to go ahead.

Paul Miner of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said: "The Government doesn't appear to have recognised the potential for major landscape damage, or the need to properly consider this at the local level."

"If fracking is to happen, it must be with the support of local communities, who are most at risk if things go wrong, and without damaging the countryside."

Govt has a way to go to convince people fracking is safe

by - Science and Medical Editor

There is no fracking going on here in Balcombe in West Sussex, but Cuadrilla does have planning permission to start exploratory drilling.

The company held a public meeting about that earlier this year and they had a very rough ride indeed.

The village sign in Balcombe, West Sussex where exploratory drilling is due to begin Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Energy Secretary Ed Davey has said that the best scientific advice suggests that fracking can be carried out safely, but only if it is regulated properly.

But he also said that it should only go ahead if the public are confident it is safe.

The people I have spoken to this morning suggest that Ed Davey and the Government have a long way to go to convince people that fracking can be done safely.

uSwitch: Fracking likely to lower bills energy bills

The advent of fracking in the UK is likely to lower fuel prices, according to an analyst at the price comparison website uSwitch.

Director of consumer policy Ann Robinson said that even if reserves of shale gas in the UK are not as large as expected, the practice is lowering gas prices around the world which has benefits for us.

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Cuadrilla Resources welcomes Govt decision on fracking

The head of Cuadrilla Rescources - the company that operates a number of fracking sites in Lancashire - has welcomed today's news:

Today’s news is a turning point for the country's energy future.

Shale gas has the potential to create jobs, generate tax revenues, reduce our reliance on imported gas, and improve our balance of payments ...

Today’s decision will allow continued exploration and testing of the UK’s very significant shale resources in a way that fulfils the highest environmental and community standards.

– Francis Egan, CEO, Cuadrilla Resources
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