ANTI-fracking campaigners are planning a series of meetings to raise awareness of the prospect of fracking in the area.

Newly-formed community anti-fracking group, Frack Free Northwich, met for the first time on Friday evening at Hartford Village Hall.

Residents of Northwich and surrounding areas watched a documentary about fracking and discussed their concerns at the possibility of fracking in the area.

The anti-fracking group formed following the recent announcement that INEOS has been granted exploration licences which cover Northwich and the surrounding areas of Mid-Cheshire.

Wells could be drilled in a number of locations in Cheshire in 2017 by INEOS to possibly pave the way for fracking operations.

INEOS Upstream is to operate a licence awarded by the Government to allow it to explore for oil or gas possibly trapped in commercially viable quantities below ground.

The company has been awarded ‘acreage’ in three main areas, Yorkshire, the East Midlands and Cheshire, the latter including Northwich, Winsford and Knutsford.

Local resident and Northwich independent retailer, Phil Bower, attended the meeting and said: “Fracking affects our whole community, and we need to be ready to stand up for what is right rather than what we are being forced to accept. We must say no to fracking.”

Alison Colyer also attended and said: “The possible environmental impact of fracking is enormous.

“We should be looking at how to reduce our energy consumption and produce more renewable energy rather than following a potentially dangerous route which has been banned in many other countries.”

Owen Hardiker from Northwich said: “Fracking poses so many risks to our community, whether it be our health, water and air pollution, a fall in house prices or the industrialisation of the Cheshire countryside.

“There is a reason that fracking has been banned in countries such as Germany, and I would urge everybody to google 'fracking' and find out more about it.”

Frack Free Northwich is planning a series of awareness meetings in the area.

Residents are encouraged to follow Frack Free Northwich on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrackFreeNorthwich) or email FrackFreeNorthwich@gmail.com to get involved and keep updated on the local anti-fracking campaign.