WHAT happens beneath our feet?

This week Igas ‘slipped’ more than 1,000 meters deeper into the potential shale gas site at Ellesmere Port.

They did exactly the same at Barton Moss some years ago. In both cases planning permission had only been given for around 900 metres.

In both instances, once they had their drill bit in the ground they went beyond the planning to some 1,900 metres going for the more profitable shale gas level.

So, can these firms be trusted?

What does concern me is the Government’s plans I discovered while fighting fracking. Part of the fracking licence was to provide geological mapping of their PEDL (Petroleum Exploration Development Licence).

This mapping was of limited use to the petro-carbon industry but was just what the government required to roll out its ‘geological disposal of nuclear waste’ programme.

Nuclear waste is vitrified into glass cylinders, contained into drums and dropped in deep holes sealed with clay.

No doubt there is a problem with nuclear waste at Sellafield.

The whole of that area of Cumbria is considered to be a ‘sacrifice zone’ by the industry.

So, do we want nuclear waste in one place or distributed around the UK?

The law has already been changed to allow this to ‘drill under your home and leave anything there’.

Some of this waste has a halflife of 24,100 years. So as the industry rather disingenuously describes the first half of the danger only, it is dangerous for 48,200 years.

But the waste is divided into low, medium and high risk.

That’s some 1,460 generations!

Probably a very nasty Pandora’s box for future descendants.

Of course people in offices in Warrington are already discussing this, companies have re-located to Warrington for the business.

Their main job is to persuade communities that it is good for them.

I see the Government has already started the ‘spin’ by removing ‘nuclear’ from its final white paper on the matter.

If, like myself, you wish to protect the future for your family bear in mind these points.

1. Be aware 2. Do your own research 3. It is ok to say no.

PETE ROBERTS Callands