Cuadrilla Resources will begin drilling in their search for shale gas six miles from Southport town centre, by mid August.

In a letter to families around Banks the firm’s Chief Executive, Mark Miller, said: “As you are already aware, Cuadrilla holds several temporary planning permits to explore for shale gas in Lancashire and has been preparing its site near Banks over the past few months in order to begin drilling operations.”

The drilling rig began its move from Singleton in Lancashire to Banks yesterday, and will take around 12 days to complete.

The drill will penetrate around 8,000 feet below Banks in a search for shale gas.

If enough shale gas is found it will be extracted in a process known as fracking, a technique was also put under scrutiny after an earthquakes near Cuadrilla’s Blackpool site. A spokesman from Cuadrilla Resources said minor tremors happened all the time.

He also highlighted the “significant” economic benefits gas drilling could bring to Southport.

The spokesman believed £1million was being brought into the area.

Source: Southport Visiter