High Peak councillors give the thumbs down to fracking

The motion, which was put forward at a recent meeting by Labour councillor Ed Kelly to prevent the use of unconventional gas exploration and extraction within the High Peak and surrounding areas, was passed by 20 votes to 19.

He said: “The fact that councillors from a range of political parties supported my motion to not support fracking in the High Peak clearly shows the high level of concern the majority of people have over fracking.

“The government needs to put an end to it now.”

Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside.

Councillors were worried about the impact it would have on the national park and if Buxton water would be polluted with the chemicals used.