THE Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has warned low petrol prices may not take pressure off the pursuit of shale gas, and that fracking still remains the energy option across the South Downs.

During a meeting earlier this month, Edward Dawson, trustee of the Hampshire branch of the CPRE, shared the organisation’s objective assessment of hydraulic fracturing – or ‘fracking’ – with members of the Odiham District University of the Third Age.

In his talk, entitled ‘The Question of Shale Gas,’ Mr Dawson pointed out the CPRE had no objection in principle to shale gas exploration and extraction, as long as any drilling observes strict guidelines suggested by the Royal Academy of Engineering, and planning conditions are put in place to deal with traffic and landscape issues.

He added: “Shale gas is a potentially strong source of energy but we all need to know that it is safe and not disruptive.

“We have tried to explore the policy issues and the techniques being used in its exploration. It seems using shale gas utilises many of the techniques which have been used for on-shore oil and gas over many years.

“In addition, the depth at which explosive charges are used is too far down to affect the surface. The country needs a wide diversified range of energy sources.

“The price of oil has dropped over recent months, and the pressure has eased on indigenous sources.

“However, many new licenses have been granted for exploration in the south of England, and these may be implemented over time.”

Gas may be preferable to use than coal, and it is an important resource along with onshore oil fields.

Humbly Grove oil field, near Alton, was discovered in 1980 and produced oil and gas for 30 years.

The national position is:–

• Licensing – the Oil and Gas Authority announced in December 159 blocks were licensed in the 14th on-shore round with 75 per cent relating to shale gas or oil

• Employment – thought to create some 60,000 jobs

• Access rights over permission needed to drill underground currently covered by the trespass law which may be amended now

• Price – With oil so low at present, there is no rush in the south of England. CPRE Hampshire will respond to any applications within its area and maintain an independent, critical view.

It will judge such applications on their merits and without a pre-scripted or formulated approach.

• Green groups in Sussex were outraged at the end of last year when the Government appeared to back track on regullations passed earlier that would have outlawed fracking in the South Downs National Park, fearing Celtique Energie sites near Fernhurst, which had been rejected, could now be explored.