Blackpool earthquake caused by drilling
Visitors to Blackpool could be rocked by more than the Pleasure Beach rollercoasters if ministers give the go ahead for energy companies to continue drilling for natural gas in the region.
One energy company has already caused two small earthquakes in Blackpool by using a controversial method known as fracking to extract gas from rocks.
Drilling ceased last spring following the tremors, which measured 2.3 and 1.5 on a local scale under which 3 is classed as moderate.
Energy company Cuadrilla admitted it had caused the quakes by fracking, which involved blasting water, sand and chemicals at very high pressure into beds of shale to release the natural gas.
However, a report released yesterday recommended energy companies could continue fracking subject to strict controls. The report accepted drilling had caused the quakes last year, but it said it was unlikely to trigger the size of earthquakes that could cause any damage.
Britain has sizeable deposits of natural gas running under the Pennines from Lancashire to Humberside. Other potential drilling sites include Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, south Wales, central Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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