NO FRACKING IN CHESHIRE

Cheshire East Council has said that it will not permit fracking anywhere within the authority.



It is not known if shale gas reserves are present, but parts of Cheshire West and Chester are being explored, near Warrington and Ince.



The council, which covers Chancellor George Osborne`s constituency, said it wants to focus on the potential of geothermal energy around Crewe.



Its statement came as the Government offered to increase incentives to local authorities by letting them keep all business rates revenue associated with fracking. The authorities have the final say on any exploration as sites must be approved by their planning committees.



Council leader Michael Jones said: