The ‘Yes’ shop in Largs is hosting a public meeting this weekend on fracking, and are urging people to get involved.

This week, Scottish government has announced a block on planned fracking operations, pending further inquiries.

Councillor Alan Hill said: “In December 2012 David Cameron lifted the moratorium on the process known as hydraulic fracturing. A moratorium which had been in place since June 2011, when it was acknowledged that two minor earthquakes in the Blackpool area, had been triggered by Hydraulic Fracturing in the vicinity.

“The process of High Volume High Pressure Hydraulic Fracturing is an integral part of the extraction process for Unconventional Gas & Oil, found in Shale deposits and Coal Seams. The UK reportedly has sufficient Unconventional Gas resources to provide the Country with Energy Security for many decades into the future.” On Saturday 31st January at 2pm a public meeting will be held in the Largs YES Shop on the subject of Fracking. The meeting will watch a DVD entitles Fracking in the UK and then have a general discussion thereafter on the issues arising.

Cllr Hill added, “Fracking is an issue that is of great concern to people in Scotland and around the world. There have been major controversies around the globe surrounding this issue. The Guardian in December 2013 ran a sub headline saying “Nausea, headaches and nosebleeds, invasice chemical smells, constant drilling, slumping property prices – welcome to Ponder, Texas, where fracking has overtaken the town.” I am sure that there are many who would like to come along to this meeting, watch the short film and then take part in the discussion. Although the meeting is being held in the YES Shop, it is open to all and a warm welcome is extended to all interested parties.”