Last night there was a public meeting at the Maze to discuss the prospect of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, coming to Nottinghamshire. There was a very informative presentation given by a member of Friends of the Earth Nottingham and then there was a passionate debate about what could be done to stop fracking here in Notts. See below the fold for a rundown on the current situation.

According to the British Geological Survey there is a potential for shale gas and coal-seam gas in large parts of Nottinghamshire, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the county. A company called Dart Energy has retained the exploration licenses and has acquired planning permission for an exploratory well near Retford. It looks likely that work could start there at some point in the near future.

Nottinghamshire County Council is currently reviewing its minerals extraction policies and the consultation is ongoing. You can read (and object to) their proposals here until the 18th December.

If you want to get involved in campaigning three meeting dates have been set:

Monday 25th Nov at 6pm - Free screening of Gasland 2 at the Broadway - meet for drinks afterwards in the Mezzanine Bar

Monday 2nd December 7.30pm - Provisionally at the Peacock pub, Mansfield Rd

Tuesday 17th December 7.30pm - Provisionally at the Peacock

There is also a facebook group here.

We can win! No fracking in notts!