FRACKING tests are to be carried out in Glazebury, it has been confirmed this morning.

TESLA Exploration International Ltd wrote to Warrington Borough Council last week to tell the Town Hall of the intention to carry out 'three dimensional seismic survey' work within the Glazebury area.

The controversial fracking tests are taking place across the country with large scale protests ongoing at the Barton Moss site, close the M62 in Manchester.

The council's development manager Daniel Hartley commented: "Under the law, companies are not required to seek planning permission for this activity, but they must notify the relevant mineral planning authority, in this case Warrington Borough Council.

"The council does not have any say in the matter."

Warrington North MP Helen Jones is against the plans.

The Labour MP said: “I am opposed to this proposal, because of its impact on one of our lovely villages and the possible impact on the green belt.

“The technology is not proven and people will naturally be worried about the impact of this exploration.

“The Government should be investing more in energy-saving measures and renewable technologies to provide the jobs of the future, and Warrington people are well placed to get jobs in these industries.

“Yet apparently, the Prime Minister has told his ministers to cut out "the green crap". This is the result of that flawed decision.”

In a letter, seen by the Warrington Guardian, sent to the council, bosses at TESLA - who are carrying out the work on behalf of IGas - say work will start in the autumn and last for around six weeks.

But IGas say they do not intend to get seismic data from the area, putting them at odds with the letter sent to the council from TESLA.

An IGas spokesman added: "IGas commissioned TESLA to carry out a feasibility study over the Warrington area. 

"As part of that process TESLA would have informed local stakeholders of its work.  However, at this stage it is not our intention to acquire seismic data in the area."

Although no date has yet been confirmed.

The letter says the survey is part of a wider plan to map the geological structure of the region.

Holes will be drilled six metres deep at 50 metre gaps.

The council said further enquiries regarding the proposed survey or related activities should be addressed to: TESLA Exploration International Ltd Unit 2, Nix's Hill Nix's Hill Industrial Estate Alfreton Derbyshire DE55 7GN.

Or e-mail geophysics@teslaexploration.com 01773 838950