8 August 2015
Local Greens are challenging Richard Drax to join their campaign to save Dorset from fracking.
The South Dorset MP has spearheaded opposition to the county’s offshore wind farm because, he says, it will spoil the view and put the area’s tourism at risk.
But Dorset Greens say the real threat comes from fracking and the government’s efforts to speed up exploratory drilling licences.
West and South Dorset Green Party chair Kelvin Clayton said:
“ If Mr. Drax cares as passionately about the beauty of Dorset as he says he does then he will surely want to join us in pledging to fight any attempts to frack.
“A recent report by his own government warned that fracking in rural areas could depress house prices, increase lorry traffic, disfigure the landscape and even put water supplies at risk.
“Mr. Cameron claims his is the greenest government in history. This is Mr. Drax’s chance to show his green credentials by joining our campaign to stop fracking coming to Dorset.”
A decision on Dorset’s offshore wind farm, which could provide enough electricity to light up to three quarters of million homes, is due next month.
Local Greens believe it can provide safe, clean, cheap and renewable energy. The alternative -- fossil fuels -- drives climate change and a rise in sea levels that is already putting the Jurassic Coast at risk.
But on his website Mr. Drax says he opposes the offshore wind farm because he says it will put off tourists.
Kelvin Clayton said:
“Mr. Drax says his biggest concern is for Dorset’s tourist industry. But actually there’s no evidence tourists would be deterred by an offshore wind farm 12 miles out in the English Channel.
“The real risk to Dorset’s unique landscape and to the jobs and businesses that depend on the county’s tourist trade comes from fracking.
“We are utterly opposed to fracking anywhere in Dorset. We hope Mr. Drax will share our concern for the fate of local communities and give a clear commitment to fighting any future fracking applications.”
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