I AM sure many of your readers living in Smithills, indeed the entire Bolton area, will have been concerned to learn that fracking licences have been granted by the Conservative Government, enabling fracking to be carried out within the boundaries of Smithills and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council. Smithills Ward Labour Party is completely opposed to fracking being carried out in Smithills in particular, and in Bolton generally. We are particularly worried about the sweeping powers to override local opinion and opposition granted within the Conservative government's new rules.

Local residents can be assured that we will be campaigning against any proposed fracking taking place. It is gratifying to note that The Woodland Trust, a prominent landowner in the Smithills area, has already stated that it will not allow any fracking to take place on land that it owns. We await similar positive news from other major landowners in the area.

However, Smithills residents who are opposed to fracking can be assured that their local Labour Party in Smithills will stand four square in opposition alongside them

Ian Coulthard

Chair

Smithills Ward Labour Party

Church Road

Bolton