Having been subjected to ambiguous rulings that they were no longer etitled to an opinion because of their residence within three miles of the proposed subterranean gas storage facility, Wyre Borough Council's planning committee held a public session at a packed Fleetwood Marine Hall. Several days earlier a copy of the Protect Wyre Group anti-Canatxx campaign video was delivered to each member of the committee.

Many of the planning committee were unaware of the issues and implecations and were quite shocked at the real impact that the proposal could have and the consequences which the residents of Hutchinson, Kansas faced.

The committee voted unanimously against the proposal which will now fall at the feet of Lancashire County Council. As if to underline the failure of democracy even further, should Lancashire County Council reject the proposal, John Prescott could still force the plans through.